Cooper Flagg: The Next Big Thing in the NBA Draft
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick. Flagg is leading the Duke Blue Devils into the Final Four against the Houston Cougars on Saturday at 8:49 p.m. ET on CBS. His exceptional play has sparked a lively debate: Which NBA players, past and present, does he most resemble?
To get a clearer picture, ESPN consulted with NBA executives and scouts, who provided five intriguing comparisons based on Flagg’s developing offensive skills, versatility, and defensive prowess. Player comparisons, while often divisive, are a staple in the scouting world. They help set expectations and envision the roles a player might grow into.
One Western Conference executive shared, “I want to know, worst-case scenario, if we’re using a pick on this guy, give me someone who made the league who he reminds you of. It builds the case to say why he’s an NBA player. You can give me two guys, this player with a side of that player, even a guy from an older era. It’s an easier sell when you can say this guy reminds me of that guy.”
Flagg’s first-team All-American season makes him a challenging case study because elite prospects have special qualities that set them apart. The diversity of their skill sets often calls to mind several different players at once. Here are five players whom NBA scouts tell us they’re leaning into as they go through their own evaluations for Flagg. These comps are designed to illustrate his range of outcomes and highlight his strengths on both sides of the ball.
- Ceiling comp: Kawhi Leonard
Flagg’s defensive prowess and potential as a two-way force draw comparisons to Kawhi Leonard. A Western Conference scout noted, “[Flagg]’s really good defensively and can be a game changer on that end pretty much immediately with his size, effort, and IQ. He’s always been a very good defender and the offense is coming along. It’s a very similar path to the one Kawhi was on early in his NBA career.”
Leonard’s development into an effective perimeter scorer and defensive stalwart would be a fantastic outcome for Flagg. Both players rely on balance and footwork in the midrange, make plays for teammates, and prefer attacking the basket over settling for 3-point shots. Defensively, Flagg’s size and instincts allow him to disrupt opponents, much like Leonard did at his peak.
However, Leonard’s unique developmental arc and physical attributes, such as his 7-3 wingspan, make him a tricky comp. Flagg, on the other hand, is ahead of where Leonard was entering the NBA in terms of offensive comfort level and on-court success. While Flagg may not evolve into the true wing stopper Leonard was, his potential to impact winning games and further develop offensively could elevate him into franchise-player territory.
- Floor comp: Lamar Odom
Using Lamar Odom as a low-end comparison captures the intrinsic value of Flagg’s versatility. Odom’s ability to function as a point forward and make plays for teammates was a key component of his success. A Western Conference executive noted, “Just the ease and comfort level handling the ball on the perimeter — we talk about [whether] guys are inside players who develop outside or perimeter players who take their game down low. Flagg has had such comfort on the perimeter.”
While expectations for Flagg are higher than they were for Odom, the thought of him as a point forward who also changes the game defensively points to his exceptional ceiling. Flagg’s developmental trajectory is on track to surpass Odom’s production in the NBA, and his impact on a title contender sets him apart.
- In-his-prime comp: Jayson Tatum
Flagg’s potential to develop into a player like Jayson Tatum is an exciting prospect. Both players presented positively at Duke, with Flagg showing the ability to impact winning even on poor shooting nights. A Western Conference executive noted, “Both of them at Duke presented really positively as guys that were going to have a couple of off-ramps to be super successful.”
Flagg’s superior passing and defensive impact set him apart from Tatum, who has developed into one of the NBA’s best players. While Flagg’s shot selection is more team-friendly, his potential to grow into a similar role as Tatum, particularly if guided toward high usage, is promising.
- A second-star comp: Scottie Pippen
Comparing Flagg to Scottie Pippen highlights his potential to thrive alongside another elite player. Pippen’s role as the best “second star” ever, pairing with Michael Jordan to win six championships, underscores Flagg’s impact in every other area. An Eastern Conference general manager noted, “I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1 guy, and was after MJ left [Chicago], but he became by far the best No. 2.”
While Flagg’s feel and perimeter skills are well ahead of Pippen, his potential to surpass Pippen’s offensive impact is intriguing. However, Flagg’s frame and style of play differ from Pippen’s dynamic athleticism and physicality.
- A left-field comp: Andrei Kirilenko
Flagg’s defensive instincts and playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko. A Western Conference executive noted, “Kirilenko led the NBA in blocks! I don’t see Flagg doing that. [Kirilenko] had the energy to expend more on the defensive end because he was a role player offensively.”
While Flagg’s offensive aptitude clears the bar set by Kirilenko, his ranginess and instincts as a defensive playmaker are the driving force behind this comp. However, Flagg’s potential to surpass Kirilenko’s offensive totals is evident, with more minutes and possessions headed his way in the NBA.
Originally Written by: Jeremy Woo
