(pre 1/2) TBC

Flagg is in a tier of his own to me, which is interesting given his archetype. He isn't an elite shooter, and currently doesn't have the skills to be The Guy in a heliocentric offense. Where his talent shines is how mature and polished he is at almost everything else.

To put it simply, if Flagg doesn't win multiple DPOYs, I'll be disappointed. The defensive player of the year race will divide the nation into Wembanyama fans and Flagg fans. His height by itself is imposing, but combine that with his intelligence and insanely quick decision-making, everyone should be scared of him.

I can see him playing basically any role defensively in the NBA, run him like Giannis in that "free safety" role, or as a rim protector. Run him like giant guard on the perimeter, or make him guard all the way up court! There are like 15 teams in the NBA that he could be drafted to where he might be the best defender year 1.

Cooper Flagg's movement continues to amaze me. No wasted motion, elite speed and precision. He's strong, his arms are long as hell, and he always knows where to put them. He doesn't get careless with his length, nor does he rely on it. His physical attributes are a step ahead of the rest of his class to me.

A lot of top prospects, especially if they've been at the top for a long time, learn a sense of entitlement. That they shouldn't be the one diving for loose balls, or that they don't need to take charges. Little things like this can have no effect on a career, some players never need to learn how to get around screens. But when I see a player that is so willing to throw himself around, do the dirty work off ball, and play gritty defense all game (even if it's not expected), I love it.

He's the most versatile player I've seen since starting doing draft work when it comes to role. He's like a young Giannis, let him run the 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. It's almost hard to say what position he SHOULD play, because everything has its upsides with a guy like Flagg.

Flagg isn't the kind of player who demands a hand in his face at the half court line (as of now...). His 3-point percentage as of when I'm writing this is hovering around 25%. That being said, he isn't a terrible free throw shooter historically, and there isn't a mental block with his shot. He's confident, and has made plenty of tough shots around the court.

Flagg isn't a perimeter shot creator, and doesn't shoot SC threes often. Outside, he functions much better in PnR as a handler or screener, doing DHOs, etc. He knows how to use his size to make strong screens which he can also slip with ease. As a ball handler he keeps his head up for the pass and has a confident, high-rising mid-range shot.

His passing is great, and will improve with age. The IQ is clearly there, so being able to put himself in position to play-make for his team is the next step. He doesn't NEED to add this though, if he'd rather continue to develop his already elite off-ball skills. Pairing him with a good playmaker makes Flagg look absolutely unstoppable. (I just pictured him with Jokic and had to take a step back that might be the most beautiful basketball the world has ever seen.)

Is he a true playmaker? No. Is he a true volume scorer? No. Is he going to break 5x5 records? Probably, if Wemby doesn't get there first. Is he the first piece to a dynasty? Maybe.

I love Cooper Flagg, if he was half the player he is then he would be my Guy in this draft, but he's so good, he might be everyone's guy.