Cooper Flagg - Duke forward - 18 y/o

Stats: 19 p/g, 8 r/g, 4 a/g, 1.4 blk

Measurables: 6'7" - 221 lbs - 7'0" wingspan

Cooper Flagg is heralded as one of the most complete and impactful prospects in recent memory. He combines elite athleticism, a relentless motor, high basketball IQ, and a versatile skillset on both ends of the floor. His competitive fire and vocal leadership further enhance his appeal as a future franchise cornerstone. Flagg's defense is his most impactful strength. He's an instinctive and disruptive help defender with exceptional timing and length (7'0" wingspan) that allows him to protect the rim and guard the perimeter effectively. He can switch across all five positions, making him a "Swiss Army knife" on defense. His quick reflexes lead to altered shots, steals, and blocks (averaging 1.4 BPG and 1.5 SPG at Duke). He has the potential to be an All-Defensive player in the NBA. Flagg plays with an unmatched intensity and effort. He consistently hustles, dives for loose balls, takes charges, and attacks the glass. This relentless approach sets a tone for his entire team and is a significant factor in his overall impact. Flagg possesses a smooth shooting stroke with range extending to the three-point line (36.8% 3P% at Duke). He can hit standstill catch-and-shoot jumpers and create off the dribble. He's also an excellent finisher around the rim, utilizing crafty footwork, body control, and athleticism to score in traffic. Flagg has shown significant growth as a point forward, comfortable initiating offense and operating in pick-and-roll situations. He consistently makes the right pass, whether it's a kick-out to a shooter or a dump-off to a big. His court awareness and ability to read defenses are advanced for his age. With his athleticism and motor, Flagg is an excellent rebounder, particularly on the defensive end, using his verticality and nose for the ball to secure boards (7.5 RPG). While his three-point percentage improved significantly at Duke, the sustainability of his high-level shooting will be crucial for his offensive ceiling. He occasionally settles for jumpers rather than driving downhill. While he's made strides as a driver, his creativity off the bounce could still improve. This will be key to unlocking his full potential as a primary isolation scorer and go-to option. There have been instances where he shows frustration after mistakes, which could lead to gambles or fouls. This is a minor point but something that he will need to work on.

NBA Comps: Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, Andrei Kirilenko

Best Fits: Everywhere

Ceiling: Top 5 in the league

Floor: Solid Starter

Projected Draft Range: 1 (unless Nico does something wild)