Cooper Flagg

Draft Notes

Flagg is an elite prospect and might be the best prospect outside of Wemby in the past decade. He’s got extraordinary ability and the mental make-up to be a superstar.

He’s one of the most complete two-way prospects I’ve covered in 15+ years of doing this, impacting every aspect of the game and being the best player on both ends of the floor.

He’s one of the most instinctual and dominant defenders I’ve ever seen coming into a draft, showing advanced awareness, understanding, timing and effort on the defensive end. He also has the physical tools and athleticism to make it all happen.

At about 6-9 he’s got good size and moves very smoothly on the court. He’s a got a strong frame and enough bulk to handle power forwards in the post and the agility to guard anywhere on the court.

He’s got great court awareness and feel for the game and always seems to be in position to make plays.

Flagg rebounds the ball well and can push the ball off the rebound and lead the break. His handles are good, not overly flashy but effective, and he shows some play-making juice, spraying the ball out to 3pt shooters or hitting the role man.

On the offensive end he’s a versatile and skilled player with great touch on his jumper, on floaters and a knack for putting the ball in the basket. He scores from 3 levels and can hit the 3pt shot, although still has some work to do to get more consistent and become a true knockdown shooter.

Cooper plays with an edge, intensity and attitude. He’s the type of player that is equally comfortable fitting into the flow of the offense or taking over the game when needed. His intensity is on full display on the defensive end and his aggressive transition game.

The Mavs are getting a superstar.

Comparisons

• Andrei Kirilinko+
• Scottie Pippen
• Jayson Tatum

Draft Projection

top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

2025 PF Rankings

1. Cooper Flagg – 6-9 – Duke
2. Collin Murray-Boyles – 6-7 – South Carolina
3. Noa Essengue – 6-10 – France
4. Rasheer Fleming – 6-9 – St. Joseph’s
5. Asa Newell – 6-10 – Georgia
6. Noah Penda – 6-8 – France
7. Bogoljub Markovic – 6-10 – Serbia
8. Johni Broome – 6-10 – Auburn
9. Malique Lewis – 6-8 – SE Melbourne, NBL (Trinidad and Tobago)
10. Eric Dixon – 6-8 – Villanova
11. Mohamed Diawara – 6-10 – France
12. Izan Almansa – 6-10 – Perth, NBL (Spain)
13. Igor Milicic Jr. – 6-10 – Tennessee (Croatia)
14. Andrew Carr – 6-11 – Kentucky
15. Grant Nelson – 6-11 – Alabama
16. Coleman Hawkins – 6-10 – Kansas State
17. Norchad Omier – 6-7 – Baylor (Nicaragua)
18. Ian Schieffelin – 6-9 – Clemson
19. K.J. Adams Jr. – 6-7 – Kansas
20. Bryce Hopkins – 6-6 – Providence