Faculty freshmen aren’t usually the perfect gamers within the nation. When it does occur — Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Kevin Durant — these gamers are likely to turn out to be NBA stars. Cooper Flagg is subsequent in line, dominating in practically each side of the sport of basketball.
Crew: Duke
Top: 6’9
Weight: 205 lbs
Wingspan: 7’0+
Age: 18.5 (December 21, 2006)
Cooper Flagg — PF, Duke (18.5 years previous)
Superior Impression Rating per 40 minutes: 19.2 (1st)
NBA Comparability: Jayson Tatum; Kawhi Leonard
Flagg, like most particular prospects, makes it difficult to discover a one-to-one comparability. He’s singular in some ways, however Flagg’s high-end projections may remind of elite do-it-all wings like Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum.
Flagg’s bodily and athletic dominance and his mid-range creation each may look considerably like Leonard or Tatum. His defensive strengths come extra on the inside, however he ought to develop right into a dynamic, versatile defender with an MVP-level ceiling.
Strengths
All-time defensive prospect, particularly off-ball. Elite timing/instincts blocking pictures and rotating in assist
Elite explosion vertically/horizontally, pace/stability/physique management all elite
Wonderful lateral quickness defending the ball
Processes the sport at a excessive degree on each ends, with glorious imaginative and prescient and timing as a passer + some excessive degree manipulation
Hardly ever makes unhealthy selections with the ball in his arms
Sturdy shooter particularly off of the dribble together with his excessive launch
Immense slashing potential with dealing with enchancment given burst, explosion and leverage
Outlier motor/competitiveness
Weaknesses
Inconsistent ball management limits athleticism as a driver/benefit creator
Shot off of the catch is slower than off-dribble, however motion capturing flashes are encouraging
Might want to add power to maximise his driving and inside protection
Often ball watches/gambles on protection when he might not have to
Offensive function: Main creator/connective passer
Defensive function: Versatile defender/help-side rim protector
2025 NBA Draft Projection: Spherical 1, Decide 1
Cooper Flagg will change the fortunes of no matter franchise wins the lottery. He’s among the finest prospects to enter the NBA within the final 25 years, with the potential to develop right into a lead initiator and a famous person defensive participant. Even when Flagg can’t attain these heights, his ground shall be that of an All-Star participant. He’s a particular, can’t-miss prospect.
