Cooper Flagg

[Rainwater]

Don't see a generational prospect; but definitely one of the highest floors I have seen from a player. He is kind of like a Evan Mobley, Markelle Fultz level prospect. When you seem them, your like "Yep! This guy is destined to be a top 10-15 player for a long time at minimum"

The only thing that really holds him back, from me saying he would be a consistent MVP player is that he isn't a freak/unicorn. Like Embiid/Jokic/SGA/Giannis/Wemby/AD. I don't see League-altering talent from him.

Other than Wemby and maybe AD none of these guys were considered freak unicorns until they got into the league. Hell, Joker was drafted in second round.

I am not referring to them, as prospects but as players. To win MVP or be in the conversations nowadays, you have to be a freak and alter the league. I don't see anything any physical tools or skillset from Flagg that I am like woah, I have never seen that or reminds of ATG. That's why I don't project him to be a serious MVP threat or even top 5 consistently. He's more like a back top 6-10 guy, in that Franz Wagner/Jaren Jackson/Mobley. '

Also when Embiid was definitely a freak to me at least, no 7ft'er should ever be that big, skilled and light on his feet at the same time. He looked like Hakeem 2.0, the reason he dropped in the draft was because of his injury or else he would have been a generational prospect as well.

I could buy your Embiid argument but the thing is we never knew how much of a freak these guys were players until they entered and played in the league. This was particularly the case for Joker. I think the same will be the case for Cooper.

[FrodoBaggins]

Generational is a vague, arbitrary term. No two people can agree on what it means. Who cares. What matters is that Flagg looks like one of the best draft prospects of the 21st century. He ticks all the boxes and his perceived weaknesses have been made out to be greater than they actually are.

[Madhouse]

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.

[MMyhre]

Actually his 42pt game was a little disappointing in terms of his scoring inside, he would not get those buckets, or at least so easily in the NBA, same with the assists. He had to start pivoting and turning, instead of just going for a right footed plant and a layup with his left hand, and he kept on stopping like this even if there was an angle to do exactly what I just said. Shooting looked more solid, not a lot of wiggling or elbows out, solid, but a lot of them were spot up shots with good time, so I think this game might "overrate" him a bit for people that struggle to see poor tendencies that wont get punished in college compared to the NBA.

[Bornstellar]

I admittedly don't watch college ball but I thought a lot of his hype was on the defensive end and looking at his numbers in comparison to someone like Anthony Davis in college, his defensive metrics look kinda pedestrian. I'm sure he'll be a good player but I'm not getting surefire #1, generational type player stuff when I look at him. Maybe I'm way off base though

[XTC]

Cooper Flagg
PER - 28.9
BPM - 15.9
TS - 58.3%
AST% - 25.5%
REB% - 15.0%
BLK% - 4.5%
STL% - 3.0
AST:TO - 1.7:1
USG - 30.9%

Banchero
PER - 22.0
BPM - 7.9
TS - 56.6%
AST% - 12.4%
REB% - 12.6%
BLK% - 3.2%
STL% - 2.3%
AST:TO - 1.3:1
USG - 26.2%

Zion
PER - 40.8
BPM - 20.1
TS - 70.2
AST% - 14.9%
REB% - 15.5%
BLK% - 5.8%
STL% - 3.9%
AST:TO - 0.8:1
USG - 28.6%

Scottie Barnes
PER - 21.4
BPM - 7.9
TS - 54.8%
AST% - 31.6%
REB% - 9.3%
BLK% - 2.1%
STL% - 3.4%
AST:TO - 1.7:1
USG - 23.7%

Ben Simmons
PER - 29.0
BPM - 10.3
TS - 60.0%
AST% - 27.4%
REB% - 18.2%
BLK% - 2.5%
STL% - 3.1%
AST:TO - 1.4:1
USG - 26.4

When I'm looking at Flagg I'm going to be comparing him to the most recent Duke guys (minus Tatum), and the most recent point forward prospects, with similar size.

Zion was clearly a freak who had GOAT potential IMO, but his lack of discipline really set him back. Flagg however really does seem to be the most well rounded prospect. He has a high usage, and he's producing. He's passing the ball at a similar rate to Barnes and Simmons, and he's scoring the ball at a level similiar to Banchero. It would not surprise me if he came in and averaged 20/8/6/1/1 as a rookie. My comparision has been Grant Hill, and I'm standing by it. Flagg is a stud.

*** Edit ***

I want to clarify that stats are not the best way to measure prospects. Development curve is so dependent on the situation a player is placed into, the players themselves, and the resources they have. It's just a fun way to talk about a prospect, and project how good they could be. Obviously Flagg could bust, but I've come away thoroughly impressed whenever I have seen him play.

[MartyConlonJr]

He’s a can’t miss prospect. He has no weaknesses. I have never seen a child (he was a child up until a month ago) get to the rim whenever he wants at will.

Isn't range his weakness?

46% from 3 over his last 8 games on 3.5 attempts.

He shoots 34.5% from 3 from the season, which is fairly mediocre, but, and it is cherry picking a little, if you take out his debut game where he was 0-4, he is shooting 20/54 or 37%, and making 1.3 of 3.6 attempts.

I think it has been said that free throw percentage is the best indicator of a college players shooting prowess, for example Tyler Herro only shot 35.5% from 3 in college and made 1.6 of 4.6 threes, but shot 93.5% from free throws which is obviously incredible. But Cooper Flagg shooting 80.6 on free throws is pretty great for a big.

Some of the top guys in 3pt percentage this year:
- Luke Kennard shot 32% on 1.5 of 4.8 at Duke in hist first year
- Domantas Sabonis shot 35.7% on 0.1 of 0.4 at Gonzaga in his second and year, none in his first year
- Zach Lavine shot 37.5% on 1.3 of 3.5 at UCLA
- Karl Anthony Towns shot 25% on 0.1 of 0.2, but shot 81.3% on free throws
- John Collins didn't make a 3 in college in 2 years, but shot 74.5% from free throws.

[Jcool0]

Actually his 42pt game was a little disappointing in terms of his scoring inside, he would not get those buckets, or at least so easily in the NBA, same with the assists. He had to start pivoting and turning, instead of just going for a right footed plant and a layup with his left hand, and he kept on stopping like this even if there was an angle to do exactly what I just said. Shooting looked more solid, not a lot of wiggling or elbows out, solid, but a lot of them were spot up shots with good time, so I think this game might "overrate" him a bit for people that struggle to see poor tendencies that wont get punished in college compared to the NBA.

[Frank Dux]

Am I crazy for thinking he has Kawhi potential?

[GreatWhiteStiff]

Flagg's 3pt form at 18 is ahead of Siakam's 3pt form at 28, and he certainly doesn't shy from contact in the paint like Siakam

Flagg's closer to a Paolo Banchero with less handle and more defense

They're two different kind of players, Siakam has more of a slippery/feathery offensive game that makes him a weapon on that side, also can be good defensively because he's a "longboi"too. Maybe Cooper is a Longboi 2.0, a kind of longboi not seen before or even imagined until now, Del. It's possible.

[FrodoBaggins]

Am I crazy for thinking he has Kawhi potential?

Depends on what you mean by that.

If you mean an extremely elite two-way wing with an argument for being the best player in the world and an impact footprint in that 8+ BPM range? I agree.

Keyword: potential.

So far, he ticks all the boxes: physical, skills, intangibles/IQ. The accolades and resume are on track, too. He has the prerequisite individual and team success at the HS level and is on the path toward it at the collegiate. It'll be hard to argue against it if he joins KD, Zion, and AD as the only freshmen NPOY.

He's a little different stylistically/skill-wise; Leonard doesn't have the point-forward qualities and is less of a vertical presence on both ends. Things like rebounding, finishing rolls, cuts, and lobs, being a beast in transition, and blocking shots. Those qualities are 100% Cooper's M.O. and it's more in line with someone like Marion or Jalen Johnson.

A Franz Wagner/Jayson Tatum + Shawn Marion mix seems apt.

[Duke4life831]

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.

[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?

[FrodoBaggins]

He looks 6'7" to 6'8" barefoot based on photos/videos with Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Sean Stewart, Bam Adebayo, etc. 6'9" in shoes feels right. Wingspan and reach look long on film and I'd estimate to be in that 6'11" to 7'2" and 8'10" to 9'1" range. Weight-wise, he's like 205-210 already and has a sturdy, wide-bodied frame that'll take him up to 235-240 like Aaron Gordon.

Who knows. We'll see when the NBA combine comes around.

I'm sold on his positional size. He looks like he barely has to jump to dunk which is a good sign. Quick two-footed leaping only adds to his big-man versatility.

[Johnny Firpo]

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?

While I agree that we have to be cautious, he is very obviously at least 6'8. No question about it. I mean, it's so obvious from the tape. So is the at least 7 feet wingspan.

[Tnasty4l]

He's ok but I guess ya'll need a GWH and he's the closest to that happening.

[flytimes11]

When I see Cooper Flagg it gives me shades of Kirilinko, Gerald Wallace, Aarong Gordon. A forward version of Lonzo without the injuries.

[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?

While I agree that we have to be cautious, he is very obviously at least 6'8. No question about it. I mean, it's so obvious from the tape. So is the at least 7 feet wingspan.

Yeah I think he is " at least " 6'8 in shoes. But I wont be surprised if he measured 6'6 barefoot.

LOL I remember before the draft some speculated Paolo was really nearing 7ft because standing side-by-side with Mark Williams during Duke games, they look to have almost the same height and Mark was touted to be 7'2.

Then we have Magic posters in our board who actually met Paolo Franz and Moe in starbucks and saw that Paolo was just a tad shorter than Franz and Moe was taller than Franz. But more importantly, PB is huuuuugggeee in real life. So yeah, PB is 6'10 after all.

[Johnny Firpo]

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?

While I agree that we have to be cautious, he is very obviously at least 6'8. No question about it. I mean, it's so obvious from the tape. So is the at least 7 feet wingspan.

Yeah I think he is " at least " 6'8 in shoes. But I wont be surprised if he measured 6'6 barefoot.

LOL I remember before the draft some speculated Paolo was really nearing 7ft because standing side-by-side with Mark Williams during Duke games, they look to have almost the same height and Mark was touted to be 7'2.

Then we have Magic posters in our board who actually met Paolo Franz and Moe in starbucks and saw that Paolo was just a tad shorter than Franz and Moe was taller than Franz. But more importantly, PB is huuuuugggeee in real life. So yeah, PB is 6'10 after all.

I would be shocked if he was 6'6'' barefoot, he looks so much bigger than your prototypical shooting guard or even small forward. I think he is 6'7.5 barefoot, 6'9'' in shoes, and has a 7'2 wingspan, that's my guess. Gonna be curious to see the actual numbers.

[RookieStar]

While I agree that we have to be cautious, he is very obviously at least 6'8. No question about it. I mean, it's so obvious from the tape. So is the at least 7 feet wingspan.

Yeah I think he is " at least " 6'8 in shoes. But I wont be surprised if he measured 6'6 barefoot.

LOL I remember before the draft some speculated Paolo was really nearing 7ft because standing side-by-side with Mark Williams during Duke games, they look to have almost the same height and Mark was touted to be 7'2.

Then we have Magic posters in our board who actually met Paolo Franz and Moe in starbucks and saw that Paolo was just a tad shorter than Franz and Moe was taller than Franz. But more importantly, PB is huuuuugggeee in real life. So yeah, PB is 6'10 after all.

I would be shocked if he was 6'6'' barefoot, he looks so much bigger than your prototypical shooting guard or even small forward. I think he is 6'7.5 barefoot, 6'9'' in shoes, and has a 7'2 wingspan, that's my guess. Gonna be curious to see the actual numbers.

Yeah... its a mystery. Lol in our tanking years ( past 3 seasons) we had a lot of fun speculating measurements of draftees. Sadly we usually over estimate them because of the unoversities listed heights and how they compared to other players that were also listed bigger.