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. This young phenom is leading the Duke Blue Devils into the Final Four against the Houston Cougars on Saturday at 8:49 p.m. ET on CBS. With his exceptional play, the question on everyone’s mind is: Which NBA players, both past and present, does Flagg most resemble?
To answer this, ESPN consulted with NBA executives and scouts, who provided five player comparisons based on Flagg’s developing offensive skills, versatility, and defensive prowess. While player comparisons can be divisive, they are an integral part of how prospects are evaluated. 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 to become a two-way force in the NBA 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 powerhouse 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, they use their size and instincts to disrupt opponents. However, Leonard’s once-in-a-generation developmental arc makes this a tricky comparison. Flagg is ahead of where Leonard was entering the NBA in terms of offensive comfort level and on-court success.
- Floor comp: Lamar Odom
Using Lamar Odom as a low-end comparison captures the intrinsic value of Flagg’s versatility. A Western Conference executive highlighted Flagg’s comfort level handling the ball on the perimeter, similar to Odom’s role as an oversized ball handler. Odom’s ability to play all over the floor on offense and cover multiple positions defensively made him an essential part of the Lakers’ title teams in 2009 and 2010. While expectations for Flagg are higher, his potential as a point forward who changes the game defensively points to his exceptional ceiling.
- In-his-prime comp: Jayson Tatum
Flagg’s potential to develop into a well-rounded offensive option draws comparisons to Jayson Tatum. Both players presented positively at Duke, with Flagg showing superior passing and a more team-friendly shot selection. Tatum’s balanced offensive profile with the Celtics shows how Flagg could grow into a similar role. Flagg is expected to be more impactful defensively as a rookie and potentially in the long run.
- A second-star comp: Scottie Pippen
This comparison suggests Flagg might be best used alongside another elite player who can shoulder a heavy scoring load. 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. While Flagg’s offensive gifts might be best suited in a similar fashion, his feel and perimeter skills are well ahead of Pippen’s at a similar stage.
- A left-field comp: Andrei Kirilenko
Flagg’s defensive mentality and impact led many scouts to invoke Andrei Kirilenko, who was one of the better defenders upon his arrival to the NBA. However, Flagg’s offensive aptitude clears the bar here, making this comparison less fitting as we’ve learned more about him. Flagg’s passing ability and intuitive feel make him a very different player.
In conclusion, Cooper Flagg’s potential is immense, and these comparisons highlight the range of outcomes for this promising young player. Whether he becomes a two-way force like Kawhi Leonard, a versatile point forward like Lamar Odom, or a well-rounded offensive option like Jayson Tatum, Flagg’s future in the NBA is bright.
Originally Written by: Jeremy Woo
