Cooper Flagg Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and NBA Fit

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:17

Cooper Flagg entered the 2025 NBA Draft as the consensus No. 1 overall pick, selected by the Dallas Mavericks after a remarkable freshman season at Duke. At just 18 years old, Flagg has already established himself as one of the most complete and promising prospects in recent memory, combining elite physical tools with advanced skills on both ends of the floor. Here’s a detailed scouting report breaking down Flagg’s strengths, weaknesses, and how he projects to fit in the NBA.

Strengths

Flagg’s most lauded attribute is his versatility. Standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan and weighing 221 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and length to guard multiple positions effectively. His defensive instincts and timing are exceptional, earning him a spot on the ACC All-Defense Team and widespread recognition as the best defensive player in his draft class. CBS Sports draft writer Kyle Boone described Flagg as having “preternatural timing and instincts” on defense, making him a disruptive presence who can guard guards through big men.

Offensively, Flagg is a do-it-all forward. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game at Duke, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, and create for others. His playmaking stands out for a player of his size; he displays the passing vision of a lead guard, often initiating offense and finding open teammates. His shooting touch is advanced, with the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and create his own shot off the dribble. Flagg joined an elite group by averaging around 20 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% from three-point range as a freshman, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in the last 25 years.

Flagg’s composure and basketball IQ are also notable. Despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball at 17 during much of the season, he showed maturity and poise in high-pressure moments, leading Duke to a 35-win season and a Final Four appearance. His relentless effort and motor make him a constant threat on both ends, and his leadership qualities have been praised by coaches and scouts alike.

Weaknesses

While Flagg’s game is highly polished, there are areas for growth. He is not yet an explosive scorer who can consistently put up 40-plus points, and his scoring tends to be efficient but measured rather than flashy. His vertical leap (29 inches standing) and lateral quickness, while good, are not elite athletic traits compared to some other top prospects, which could limit his ability to dominate purely with athleticism.

Additionally, as a young player, Flagg will need to continue developing his strength and conditioning to handle the physicality and grind of an 82-game NBA season. His shot creation under heavy defensive pressure remains a work in progress, and expanding his offensive repertoire will be key to reaching his full potential.

NBA Fit

Flagg projects as a versatile wing capable of playing both small forward and power forward positions in today’s positionless NBA. His defensive versatility and length make him a natural fit for switching schemes and guarding multiple positions, a valuable asset for the Mavericks’ defensive schemes. Offensively, his ability to facilitate and space the floor aligns well with Dallas’s need for a do-it-all forward who can complement Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

The Mavericks landed Flagg with just a 1.8% chance in the draft lottery, a fortuitous pick that gives them a potential franchise cornerstone. General Manager Nico Harrison called him “a generational talent, a once-in-a-lifetime chance”. With his combination of defense, playmaking, and shooting, Flagg is widely regarded as the safest No. 1 pick in years.

Cooper Flagg’s blend of elite defense, playmaking, shooting, and size make him a rare prospect with All-Star and possibly MVP potential. While he still has areas to refine, his advanced skill set and maturity set him apart from his peers. As he transitions to the NBA, Flagg’s versatility and high basketball IQ should allow him to make an immediate impact and develop into a foundational piece for the Dallas Mavericks for years to come.