Rising Star: Cooper Flagg as a Potential Top Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

Cooper Flagg, a 6-8 forward with a 221-pound frame, is a freshman at Duke University and has garnered attention as a potential top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. With his hustle play, passing ability, and improved jump shot, Flagg is a do-it-all forward who has the potential to be a top-tier player in the league.

• Motor and Toughness: Flagg never stops hustling on the court. He’ll dive for loose balls, take a charge, and fly out of nowhere for rebounds. His relentless approach and competitive fire set the tone for his team, and he’s a vocal leader who communicates on the floor and in huddles.
• Defensive Playmaking: Flagg is an instinctive and disruptive help defender with quick reflexes to alter shots and swipe at the ball. His combination of length and timing lets him protect the rim and guard the perimeter, evoking Kirilenko-like defensive versatility.
• Versatile On-Ball Defense: Flagg is a Swiss Army knife without a true position, but that’s because he can defend 1 through 5 depending on the opponent. For teams that switch everything on defense, he can always be making an impact.
• Three-Level Scoring: Flagg has a smooth shooting stroke with range out to the 3-point line. He can hit standstill catch-and-shoot jumpers or create off the dribble, and he excels as a finisher around the rim, using crafty footwork and body control to score in traffic.
• Pick-and-Roll Creation: Flagg is comfortable bringing the ball up and initiating offense as a point forward. He is best in pick-and-roll and tends to make the proper decision as a passer whether looking for kick-out or dump-off opportunities.
• Go-To Scoring Upside: Flagg has made improvements as an isolation scorer thanks to the progress of his jump shot, showing comfort pulling up from the elbows. The threat of his shot has further made him a threat driving to the basket with his quick first step and long strides.
• Offensive Malleability: Flagg can plug and play anywhere on offense. He’s an athletic finisher who can thrive in roles as an on-ball screener or off-ball duties with spot-up shooting, screening, and cutting. He’s also unafraid of contact and has a nose for the ball.

Concerns:

• Jumper Consistency: This season at Duke was Flagg’s first draining 3s at a high level. He will need to prove that this is sustainable since it’s a vital tool that will determine his ceiling as a player.
• Advanced Ball-Handling: Flagg doesn’t have great creativity off the bounce yet, which means he ends up taking tough shots or needing to make multiple pivots to get his shot off. He’s growing, but the level he ends up reaching will define his ability as a go-to scoring option.