Cooper Flagg

[TheProfessor]

the term generational is overused because it seems every other year someone is called that and then also more than 5 players in the NBA are called that when it should be something reserved for a player who comes around once every 20-25 years.

And then next year the kid from Utah is also going to be 'generational'. Maybe everyone should just call them great prospects.

In general usage, the word "generation" means about 20 years. Few players are actually productive for 20 years, though, so in basketball terms in makes sense to think of a basketball generation as 10-15 years. Still, you're right that the term is overused. With that definition, if you aren't clearly the best player for ~10 year era, you aren't a generational talent. That gives us... Wilt, Kareem, Jordan, LeBron. I can't think of any others based on that definition.

Magic/Larry cancel each other out. As do Duncan/Shaq/Kobe. You could even argue that Russell/Wilt cancel each other out, too.

Another, less restrictive, use of the term 'generational' could mean best at a given position for the generation. This is a much looser usage of the term, and it would allow you to use the term for Duncan, Shaq, Kobe, Magic, Bird, Durant, Curry, and a host of others. It would open up the term for up to 5 players at a time in the NBA. Probably less than that, though, because often, for a given position there isn't just one player who dominates that position for ~10 years. For example, Duncan/Shaq/Kobe were generational talents based on this usage, but what point guard was a "generational" talent from that era. Certainly some great players (Kidd/Nash), but none that stand out from their peers enough for the label.

Generational prospects are prospects that have the ability to be the best player for next 10 years. That's why Wemby is considered generational, Zion looked to have that same ability out of Duke. I honestly thought MPJ pre-injury and Embiid pre-injury were generational prospects. That kid from Duke looks like the same breed of prospect right now. Just because you are a generational prospect doesn't mean you are a generational player.

[GreatWhiteStiff]

I just think there comes a point where people just start to over think things.

Flagg has been hailed as a big time prospect ever since he was 15 and was one of the biggest standouts in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup.

Since then he’s just lived up to all of the things that have come in front of him.

Switched to Montverde and played the toughest high school schedule possible. He ended up winning NPOY as a Junior. At 17 he was on the USA select team and was the biggest standout on that team (which had NBA players on it).

Now he’s putting up numbers as a freshman that we’ve only really have seen from guys like AD, Zion, and KD.

And it’s not like he’s a one trick pony. His versatility (on both ends) is his biggest selling point. He’s not small, he’s 6’8-6’9 with many say at least a 7’ wingspan. He doesn’t lack athleticism, he’s not a freak athlete but he’s a very good athlete. He’s not a bad shooter, he shot 37% from 3 in high school, shooting 34% right now and that is after the slump he had and he’s shooting 81% from the line.

Yes he doesnt have that freak thing about him (Wemby’s size, Zion’s athleticism). But when compared to your usual #1 pick prospect. The dude is as high level as you can ask for.

As the resident Duke Homer in the Magic board, im as high as Cooper as anybody. But i gotta draw the line about physical measuremnts. So far, it has been only Paolo that lived up to their measured height.

I wonder if Flagg will allow himself to be meausred. We have gotten burned a lot in the past about college heights. Remember Cade was supposed to be 6'8? Zion as well?

I don't get how there' some air of mystery about top prospects heights. If I were a prospect I'd get measured with out shoes and if someone asked my height I'd tell ém. MYSTERY SOLVED. Why doesn't it work this way IRL? Like we don't know within an inch someone's height? Absurdity.

[Special_Puppy]

this is what I'm talking about and guys here are not understanding. He's definitely a talent but I don't see why or how he's #1. He's an all around type of player that'll fill up the stat sheet but he's not the guy you give the ball to in crunch time. The layup thing you're talking about he can improve in but still, I don't see him fast or quick enough for the NBA game.

Ace Bailey is a guy that you give the ball to and get out the way, Harper too. Yes all these guys have holes in their games but for a top pick I feel like has to have that type of skill where they can get you a bucket at anytime.

I see Flagg as a glorified Gordon Hayward but you would think he's the next Lebron the way these guys are talking about him.

like Banchero, he'll be able to take any 4 or 5 that switches onto him in the PnR to the hole with ease. He'll be able to post or shoot over most 3s that will primarily be guarding him and guards are too small should they get caught on him. It's hard to see these things now since the college game is so different with less spacing and clogged lanes. He's basically Banchero with elite defense. That's a top 5 player. Flagg, Dybantsa and Wemby will be three of the top 5-8 players in the NBA over the next 15 years imo

I disagree but we all have our opinions and only time will tell. Flagg scoring is not as advanced as Banchero's was but we will see. I see Flagg ceiling as a Shawn Marion which is still very good

Flagg is scoring at a higher rate and on better efficiency compared to Banchero.

[RookieStar]

I just think there comes a point where people just start to over think things.

Flagg has been hailed as a big time prospect ever since he was 15 and was one of the biggest standouts in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup.

Since then he’s just lived up to all of the things that have come in front of him.

Switched to Montverde and played the toughest high school schedule possible. He ended up winning NPOY as a Junior. At 17 he was on the USA select team and was the biggest standout on that team (which had NBA players on it).

Now he’s putting up numbers as a freshman that we’ve only really have seen from guys like AD, Zion, and KD.

And it’s not like he’s a one trick pony. His versatility (on both ends) is his biggest selling point. He’s not small, he’s 6’8-6’9 with many say at least a 7’ wingspan. He doesn’t lack athleticism, he’s not a freak athlete but he’s a very good athlete. He’s not a bad shooter, he shot 37% from 3 in high school, shooting 34% right now and that is after the slump he had and he’s shooting 81% from the line.

Yes he doesnt have that freak thing about him (Wemby’s size, Zion’s athleticism). But when compared to your usual #1 pick prospect. The dude is as high level as you can ask for.

As the resident Duke Homer in the Magic board, im as high as Cooper as anybody. But i gotta draw the line about physical measuremnts. So far, it has been only Paolo that lived up to their measured height.

I wonder if Flagg will allow himself to be meausred. We have gotten burned a lot in the past about college heights. Remember Cade was supposed to be 6'8? Zion as well?

I don't get how there' some air of mystery about top prospects heights. If I were a prospect I'd get measured with out shoes and if someone asked my height I'd tell ém. MYSTERY SOLVED. Why doesn't it work this way IRL? Like we don't know within an inch someone's height? Absurdity.

In a perfect world we would...but I guess there are handlers that wants to keep it a mystery. They probably are thinking an extra inch could mean the difference between a drat spot or two.

Still though, it was pretty funny then when even I was believing that Cade was 6'8 at least before the draft. lol

Or even Zion was a 6'8 260lb coming into the league

[RookieStar]

this is what I'm talking about and guys here are not understanding. He's definitely a talent but I don't see why or how he's #1. He's an all around type of player that'll fill up the stat sheet but he's not the guy you give the ball to in crunch time. The layup thing you're talking about he can improve in but still, I don't see him fast or quick enough for the NBA game.

Ace Bailey is a guy that you give the ball to and get out the way, Harper too. Yes all these guys have holes in their games but for a top pick I feel like has to have that type of skill where they can get you a bucket at anytime.

I see Flagg as a glorified Gordon Hayward but you would think he's the next Lebron the way these guys are talking about him.

like Banchero, he'll be able to take any 4 or 5 that switches onto him in the PnR to the hole with ease. He'll be able to post or shoot over most 3s that will primarily be guarding him and guards are too small should they get caught on him. It's hard to see these things now since the college game is so different with less spacing and clogged lanes. He's basically Banchero with elite defense. That's a top 5 player. Flagg, Dybantsa and Wemby will be three of the top 5-8 players in the NBA over the next 15 years imo

I disagree but we all have our opinions and only time will tell. Flagg scoring is not as advanced as Banchero's was but we will see. I see Flagg ceiling as a Shawn Marion which is still very good

I am kinda in this camp as well. I try to watch all Duke games as I can and right now, flagg is not in the same level as PB offense wise.

I mean, RJ Zion PB had the " give me the ball and get out of my way" attitude even in college and they just ram it home or do a middy or whatever. But you had the idea that they had the MJ/Kobe YOLO mindset and skill.

Defense-wise, no other can come close to him. Athleticism/Movement wise he is probably only slightly behind Zion though.

[The-Stallion70]

Flagg is kind of interesting, he's a really quick leaper off the floor he doesn't need to gather much he just pops off the floor, a bit like Aaron Gordon. At the same time he can also handle and shoot from the outside but not sure his perimeter skills are quite good enough to do it full time. He may end up being an all star playing off the ball alot which doesn't seem that common today. His quick leaping ability is a huge asset around the rim.

[The Master]

Flagg is kind of interesting, he's a really quick leaper off the floor he doesn't need to gather much he just pops off the floor, a bit like Aaron Gordon. At the same time he can also handle and shoot from the outside but not sure his perimeter skills are quite good enough to do it full time. He may end up being an all star playing off the ball alot which doesn't seem that common today. His quick leaping ability is a huge asset around the rim.

Yeah, his functional athleticism will be amazing once he improves his handles with NBA spacing. Not the greatest leaper, but combination of quickness, size and fluidity - that's his strength.

I mean, RJ Zion PB had the " give me the ball and get out of my way" attitude even in college and they just ram it home or do a middy or whatever. But you had the idea that they had the MJ/Kobe YOLO mindset and skill.

Banchero in college was scoring less on lower efficiency with lower assists numbers than Flagg (so far), while being over a year older. The same with another very Kobe-esque player in Jayson Tatum.

Not saying this is an argument about superiority/inferiority - but it should put into perspective what realistically can be expected from an 18yo player on collegiate level offensively.

[johannking]

Just watched Duke vs ND full game. People who complain about his handles...are we watching the same guy?

[Onlytimewilltel]

I just think there comes a point where people just start to over think things.

Flagg has been hailed as a big time prospect ever since he was 15 and was one of the biggest standouts in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup.

Since then he’s just lived up to all of the things that have come in front of him.

Switched to Montverde and played the toughest high school schedule possible. He ended up winning NPOY as a Junior. At 17 he was on the USA select team and was the biggest standout on that team (which had NBA players on it).

Now he’s putting up numbers as a freshman that we’ve only really have seen from guys like AD, Zion, and KD.

And it’s not like he’s a one trick pony. His versatility (on both ends) is his biggest selling point. He’s not small, he’s 6’8-6’9 with many say at least a 7’ wingspan. He doesn’t lack athleticism, he’s not a freak athlete but he’s a very good athlete. He’s not a bad shooter, he shot 37% from 3 in high school, shooting 34% right now and that is after the slump he had and he’s shooting 81% from the line.

Yes he doesnt have that freak thing about him (Wemby’s size, Zion’s athleticism). But when compared to your usual #1 pick prospect. The dude is as high level as you can ask for.

As the resident Duke Homer in the Magic board, im as high as Cooper as anybody. But i gotta draw the line about physical measuremnts. So far, it has been only Paolo that lived up to their measured height.

I wonder if Flagg will allow himself to be meausred. We have gotten burned a lot in the past about college heights. Remember Cade was supposed to be 6'8? Zion as well?

I don't get how there' some air of mystery about top prospects heights. If I were a prospect I'd get measured with out shoes and if someone asked my height I'd tell ém. MYSTERY SOLVED. Why doesn't it work this way IRL? Like we don't know within an inch someone's height? Absurdity.

Honestly it should just be mandatory pre draft. All the teams should have all the players measurements available.

[FrodoBaggins]

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[adubmac]

The kid just turned 18 and is running things, all the noise is nonsense?.

[FrodoBaggins]

Cooper's bully-ball potential is legit. He's really functionally strong, has superb balance, and absorbs contact exceptionally well. He's one of those guys whose strength exceeds his weight. He's probably only around cruiserweight (205-210 pounds) right now but engages physically like a heavyweight. Draymond/Rodman-like.

Makes sense when you look at his sturdy/thick, wide-bodied frame. He'll get up to 235-240 and be a bully at the wing position in the NBA.

[johannking]

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Saw the full game ... without Flagg Duke only has 50-50 chance winning, even if Maliq Brown played.

[johannking]

Cooper's bully-ball potential is legit. He's really functionally strong, has superb balance, and absorbs contact exceptionally well. He's one of those guys whose strength exceeds his weight. He's probably only around cruiserweight (205-210 pounds) right now but engages physically like a heavyweight. Draymond/Rodman-like.

Makes sense when you look at his sturdy/thick, wide-bodied frame. He'll get up to 235-240 and be a bully at the wing position in the NBA.

Aaron Gordon is around 235-240 and you have to consider his role on the Nuggets for putting on that weight. If Flagg's strength exceeds his weight like you said, why should he put on large bulk? I think Jayson Tatum's weight range would be great for Flagg.

[FrodoBaggins]

Cooper's bully-ball potential is legit. He's really functionally strong, has superb balance, and absorbs contact exceptionally well. He's one of those guys whose strength exceeds his weight. He's probably only around cruiserweight (205-210 pounds) right now but engages physically like a heavyweight. Draymond/Rodman-like.

Makes sense when you look at his sturdy/thick, wide-bodied frame. He'll get up to 235-240 and be a bully at the wing position in the NBA.

Aaron Gordon is around 235-240 and you have to consider his role on the Nuggets for putting on that weight. If Flagg's strength exceeds his weight like you said, why should he put on large bulk? I think Jayson Tatum's weight range would be great for Flagg.

There's not that much between them. Tatum is like 225-230 and he doesn't have Cooper/Gordon's bigger frame. Sturdier, more robust guys will naturally be heavier. Jaylen Brown is 6'5.25" barefoot and weighs 240 pounds these days.

[jehosafats]

BI with hustle

[316Hornets]

Flagg just checks all the boxes. You've got the hops, awareness, and agility. As funny as it seems, he sort of reminds me of one of the best chess players ever in Magnus Carlsen. Just an insane look of determination that demands attention and will cause an opponent to make a mistake in those crucial moments. All it takes is one step and he's gone.

[FrodoBaggins]

Updated stats:

- 19.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.2 bpg, 2.6 topg
- 48.8% FG, 34.8% 3PT, 54.0% 2PT, 53.5% eFG, 80.9% FT, 59.2% TS
- 15.8 BPM

Inching closer to Anthony Davis' 17.24 BPM. Worth mentioning that AD was 19.27 years old when drafted; Cooper will be 18.5, so what he's doing for his age is remarkable. He'll be like one week older than LeBron when he was drafted.

[GSWFan1994]

Taking into account his production relative to his age, he has the making of an all-time player.

[MMyhre]

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The postup game looks very good, good at taking contact like you said, seems like a smart cutter as well.