NBA Draft Insights: Duke's Rising Star Cooper Flagg

By Justin Rubin September 09, 2024 10:20

Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

Every year, NBA teams hope to grab a up-and-coming talents through the draft who can make an immediate impact to their system, potential talents who have the potential to turn things around for struggling franchises, or dependable role players for contending teams. Duke commit Cooper Flagg is considered one of the game's ascending talents, possessing a scorers' skill set suited for what the NBA solicits today. This feature contains an in-depth scouting report on his background, playing style, strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level.

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Player Background

High School Career and Early Life

Flagg comes from Newport, Maine, and quickly established himself in high school basketball. Flagg originally played for Nokomis Regional High School and instantly showed that he's a player to take note of, leading his team to the Class A state championship by being able to take over games on both ends with scoring, rebounding, and defending. He was as decorated as a high school player possible, winning Gatorade National Player of the Year and becoming a McDonald's All-American.

Transferring to Montverde Academy, a powerhouse in high school basketball, just added to Flagg's resume. He lit up the competition while leading his team to a national title and establishing himself as one of America's top prospects.

Performance Analysis

Playing Style and Statistics

Flagg is listed at 6'9", 205 pounds and has the necessary tools that can influence both ends of the court. On the offensive end, Flagg is a three-level scorer who can shoot from a distance, make plays for himself or his teammates off dribble penetration, and be at home inside as well. With the combination of his crafty footwork and natural feel for angles, Flagg is a difficult scoring threat while also being able to find others in great positions with passes.

Inside, Flagg is an absolute force of nature defensively. His shot-blocking instincts and timing are borderline elite, and his flexibility in defending multiple positions only sweetens the pot.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Versatile: His ability to be moved all around the field as a weapon for his team.
Defense: Flagg's shot-blocking and defensive IQ can make him a difference defensively.
Basketball IQ: Flagg has an advanced feel for the game, especially for his age. His decision-making and reading of the game helped him stand above many in his age group.

Weaknesses:

Inconsistencies: Flagg is a good shooter but goes through stretches where his shot isn't falling, especially from beyond the arc.
Physical Development: He's well-built but will need to get stronger as he has the strength and agility of an NBA player.

Potential Impact on the NBA

Cooper Flagg's size, skill, and basketball intelligence make him a really good fit for an NBA forward in today's style of play. His two-way play should make Flagg a hot commodity for any team, eying roster additions that will push them into playoff contention.

Comparisons and Trajectory

He's is a do-it-all forward with elite defensive length and has drawn comparisons to the NBA's top forwards. His path indicates that he could become a franchise cornerstone, like Kevin Durant and other unicorn forwards who redefine the position with their unique skill sets.

Scouting Reports & Expert Opinions

Some scouting reports consider Flagg as the #1 pick in his draft class. His performance in international games with Team USA shows he can compete against the world's top young talent and different styles of play. According to some experts, Flagg has the highest possible ceiling for an NBA-caliber player among his peers.

Basketball fans and front-office executives should hear more about Cooper Flagg over the next few years. His trajectory from high school phenom to dominant force in college at Duke has been defined by extraordinary accomplishments and a future path towards NBA stardom. Heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg projects as a can't-miss franchise player and one of the most interesting prospects in recent memory.

In short, Cooper Flagg is a future NBA star due to his blend of versatility, defensive acumen, and basketball IQ. There are some holes, but it's a good base, and his ceiling as an impact player in the league is superb.