Post#1880 » by FrodoBaggins » Wed Apr 2, 2025 2:41 am
My thoughts on those comps...
BTW: Coop's talent and ability are incredibly precocious. Way more than any of these guys. So, we're kind of comparing him and his potential to these guys at an older age. Don't really see the point in making age-matched comps here because Flagg is so far ahead of all of them.
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Scottie Pippen: I like it. High IQ two-way forward who do everything well. Physically, I think Pip is a little more twitchy/explosive, but Coop is stronger and sturdier built. And like Coach Karl said, Flagg is more offensively skilled. In what way? IMO, shooting (in general), on-ball slashing, foul drawing, and post-up play.
Andrei Kirilenko: Works as a low-to-mid outcome if Coop's on-ball ability doesn't translate. Andrei+ (meaning on-ball upside) is solid as a high-end projection but is a bit more theoretical/abstract/hard to conceptualize. What's his defense look like with a primary offensive role?
At that point, you're better off with an actual elite two-way wing, like a modified Pippen, Tatum, or Kawhi.
Cooper has outgrown the Kirilenko, Marion, Battier, Bobby Jones base comps. Shown way too much offensive upside for his potential to be limited to those guys.
Jayson Tatum: Another great comp. Like the Pippen one. Two-way forwards who do everything well: score, pass, rebound, and defend.
Differences? Coop is more athletic in general and has more natural strength/a sturdier natural frame. Tatum has maxed out his size through weight lifting, but make no mistake: Flagg is the more naturally robust guy. His untrained baseline and maxed-out potential for size and strength surpass Jayson's.
Tatum is better/more dynamic as a ball handler and pull-up three-point shooter. Has craftier one-foot finishes at the rim/in the paint.
Outside of that? I don't think he does anything better. Flagg's superior athleticism and longer strides give him Giannis-lite potential in transition. Specifically, his two-footed jumping makes him a better shot-blocker/rim & paint protector, aerial finisher, post-up threat, and rebounder on both ends. Superior natural physicality gives Coop more potential for foul drawing, I'd also say.
Kawhi Leonard: Another solid comp. Can group it in with Pippen and Tatum (elite two-way forwards.) This one is definitely the highest-end of the group. Easily the best regarding scoring, shooting, overall offense, and probably tied or very close to Pippen for defense.
How does the comparison look with Coop? Biggest physical differences: Flagg taller, much longer strides, way more of a vertical athlete. Gets off the ground quicker and higher. Covers ground faster due to those longer legs. It's like Duncan (short legs) vs. Garnett (long legs.)
Kawhi shorter, stockier, relatively shorter legs/lower center of gravity, can't jump like Flagg. Kawhi probably a little longer and his relative span gives him greater reach lower down. Makes for a lower, more secure dribble and more defensive disruption when opponents are dribbling the ball.
Skill-wise, the physical differences make Coop more of a vertical presence on both ends. Shot-blocking/paint & rim protection, aerial finishing (oops, rolls, cuts, transition, lobs, etc), and rebounding. More of a transition threat due to long strides and aerial game.
Kawhi's ball handling and shooting are super elite. Coop has shown potential here but Leonard is about as good as it gets for shot-making forwards. It's certainly possible Flagg could develop a similar iso/mid-range/three-point game. Unlikely, but you can't rule it out due to how good Coop is at his age.
Leonard is better at defending on-ball/at the point of attack and getting around screens. Both great defending the post. Coop better defending off-ball.
Passing/playmaking is definitely an area where Coop has the advantage. Kawhi has become a better passer but it happened after his 2015-16 to 2016-17 peak. Flagg has legit point forward potential. Comparable to Pippen, Drexler, Butler, and LeBron, IMO.
Kevin Garnett: I get the comp from a general standpoint: an elite two-way impact with more coming from passing and defense as opposed to scoring. But KG was a legit PF/C, standing 6'11.25" barefoot with an estimated 7'5" wingspan.
You're better off comparing Coop to Pippen. He's got that same defense and passing-leveraged two-way impact but in a truly comparable forward body. Flagg = PF/SF + some small-ball C. Sort of like Dray or Bo Outlaw once he fills out. KG = PF/C. More like AD, Giannis, JJJ, or Mobley.
Also, Garnett doesn't pressure the rim/get downhill quite like Coop.
Flagg is younger than prominent players from HS like Dwight, Garnett and a week older than LeBron, that's probably the most insane part of this season.
