Undoubtedly, Cooper Flagg stands out as the top-drafted prospect. In college basketball, you've likely heard about him being linked to the 2025 No. 1 overall pick long before he started his freshman year at Duke.
Throughout the NBA this season, clubs that are out of playoff contention have been striving to accumulate as many defeats as they can to increase their slim chances of securing Flagga in the forthcoming draft.
What exactly makes him so sought after and valuable?
Versatility
Currently, Flagg stands at 6 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 205 pounds, and has a remarkable wingspan of 7 feet 1 inch. Given these dimensions, he seems well-suited to transition smoothly into the role of an NBA power forward. However, his versatility allows him to effectively contribute anywhere on the court both offensively and defensively.
Thanks to his gentle touch and ability to handle the ball near the basket, he shines as a cutting specialist. Even against taller opponents, he remains robust driving to the hoop without losing confidence. His height provides him with an edge playing as a forward, and his freshman year at Duke, where he shot 37.4% from beyond the arc, demonstrated that he’s also a dangerous long-range threat capable of attracting several defenders.
His significant presence as a scoring threat often compels him to take on playmaking roles, which he embraces. Whether it’s from grabbing rebounds or during fast breaks, he confidently brings the ball upcourt and initiates the team's offense with ease.
He possesses a rapid initial burst, can unleash his explosiveness whenever necessary, and dominates at all positions on the floor. Considering unicorns—players who excel at multiple roles—he matches this description perfectly. He genuinely has the ability to play every role effectively, including those required for competition in the NBA.
No possessions off
Refer to it as zeal, competitive drive, determination, strength—call it what you will. The aspect of Flagg’s game that NBA scouts, coaches, and executives appreciate the most is his consistent effort; he never eases up during plays.
“A Western Conference executive told the Deseret News that he brings intensity regardless of circumstances," adding, "Whether it's during an offensive play, defensive stand, fast break, or rebounding, he gives his all on each individual possession."
This does not imply that Flagg requires constant possession of the ball. What stands out significantly about Flagg, particularly during the NCAA Tournament, is his acute awareness of when his teammates are performing well. In such instances, instead of becoming complacent or fading into the background, he remains actively involved.
When Flagg allows his teammates to take charge, it becomes even clearer just how significant his impact is across all facets of the game.
An NBA coach stated, "He prioritizes victory." He continued, "The focus isn’t on him; rather, it’s on how all the pieces fit together as a whole. His selflessness makes him a comprehensive team player."
According to everyone, Flagg shows an equally intense competitiveness whether he's playing offense or defense, during matches or training sessions. His gameplay motivates his fellow team members.
Body
The data from Flagg’s measurements speak volumes by themselves, but his physique and the significant physical development he has achieved in just the past few years have generated substantial excitement among NBA teams regarding his potential future appearance after a couple of seasons in the league.
He boasts wide shoulders and evidently can gain weight without losing speed. Despite his nimbleness, he possesses remarkable leg power, and it appears he continues to get even stronger.
An NBA scout commented, "He has made significant progress physically over the past year. While he still needs to build more strength, once he fully matures and trains under an NBA coaching team, his potential will be limitless."
Weaknesses
Several queries concerning Flagg continue to be unresolved. However, when discussing aspects of his performance that require enhancement, all individuals I spoke with expressed confidence that Flagg has the potential for growth and can become more adept.
Significantly, the regions that require enhancement will determine his level of productivity in the NBA rather than whether he can be productive at all.
As an isolate scorer, Flagg needs to improve his handling of the ball and develop better techniques for managing defensive pressure on the perimeter without committing turnovers.
As a protector at the back, he frequently attempts blocks and picks off many steals, but this often leaves him mispositioned. He must understand under what circumstances these risks pay off; subsequently, his fellow players have to stay sharp with their transitions to compensate for any lapses behind him.
A few additional aspects will require refinement once he transitions to the NBA—such as his shooting form, foot movements, and ball handling—but there isn’t anything notably deficient about Flagg. Nothing has emerged as a significant issue or raised eyebrows among observers.
Comfortability
At each stage, Flack has faced various expectations, and he hasn’t recoiled from the pressure or these anticipations.
During his high school days, he was outstanding, attracting an increased number of admirers as he graduated. Yet, despite being part of the elite squad for Team USA over the previous summer, he never gave off the impression that he felt out of place.
It became evident to everyone involved in those practice sessions—NBA players, coaches, and trainers alike—that Flagg was truly exceptional.
At Duke, Flagg has lived up to expectations, and participating in the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament, despite recovering from an injury, has only boosted his self-assurance.
This Saturday, Duke will face Houston in the Final Four, and at this stage, it appears that the national championship belongs to Flagg and Duke to potentially squander.
Odds for No. 1
Teams such as the Utah Jazz, who have eagerly anticipated the opportunity to pick Flagg in the forthcoming NBA draft, will discover their draft lottery destiny on May 12 during the NBA Draft Lottery event in Chicago.
The three teams with the lowest regular-season rankings will each have a 14% probability of securing the first overall draft pick. However, since 2018, when the likelihood for the team with the poorest record was still set at 25%, no squad with the worst overall mark has claimed top prize in this selection process.
The Jazz appear likely to contend for the worst overall record and will surely end up with one of the bottom three records. This would give them the highest probability of securing the No. 1 overall pick. However, if they hope to snag Flagg—a potential once-in-a-generation player—they'll require some fortune during the lottery draw.
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