Cooper Flagg

[Johnny Firpo]

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.

Not to brag but... Well, here we go. I'm actually quite good at guesstimating height and age even based on pictures or footage. So now that you know about my talent, and others here at Realgm who read it also found out, I'm risking this reputation with my guesstimation!

[JimmyPlopper]

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.

Not to brag but... Well, here we go. I'm actually quite good at guesstimating height and age even based on pictures or footage. So now that you know about my talent, and others here at Realgm who read it also found out, I'm risking this reputation with my guesstimation!

We should start a business - I'm not good at guessing height or age, but I can guess weight. We could set up a booth at a carnival. Maybe go on the road.

[RookieStar]

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.

Not to brag but... Well, here we go. I'm actually quite good at guesstimating height and age even based on pictures or footage. So now that you know about my talent, and others here at Realgm who read it also found out, I'm risking this reputation with my guesstimation!

We should start a business - I'm not good at guessing height or age, but I can guess weight. We could set up a booth at a carnival. Maybe go on the road.

You guys need a circus cryer or whatever they call those dudes that brings customers in?

[ryan in Maine]

Not to brag but... Well, here we go. I'm actually quite good at guesstimating height and age even based on pictures or footage. So now that you know about my talent, and others here at Realgm who read it also found out, I'm risking this reputation with my guesstimation!

We should start a business - I'm not good at guessing height or age, but I can guess weight. We could set up a booth at a carnival. Maybe go on the road.

You guys need a circus cryer or whatever they call those dudes that brings customers in?

[akhan786]

Kind of sucks the ACC is so bad this year. The Duke games are over within the first 10 minutes so Coop and the starters don’t have to go all out. It depresses stats which will hurt Coop’s NPOY case which would be good for basketball if he won it.

[FlyingArrow]

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.

[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.

Great argument, but for someone who has eyes for movement patterns this kid is not as refined as that scoring performance would suggest. It`s easy to look good if you are bigger, stronger, faster and jump higher than almost everyone you play against, he would not be close to 42 in the NBA playing the way he did that game, not even close, because they will shut down those awkward drives and those pivots and lobs are not available.

[MMyhre]

Bad game against Miami, he doesnt seem able to go for fast layups off one leg in traffic, always has to stop and go for the "power leap" off two legs, which is slower, more easily contested, you lose that opportunity to blow by and get to the glass uncontested, he seems pretty poor at finding easy layups for himself in general, he always slows down and has to pick up his dribble too much, doesnt seem able to find angles for right foot leaps into left handed layups in particular, even though he likes to go left.

This guy is just a hyped college jock isnt he? Is he actually working on his game or is he just abusing his physical tools to look dominant in the now? I feel like its the latter, no way in hell this guy is scoring an efficient 20 in the NBA if he doesnt address the flaws in his driving/finishing game in particular, he looks surprisingly awkward for someone this hyped, I have never watched anything besides his dunks and stuff, nothing generational here.

I hate to sound like a hater, but its just disappointing, I guess I should watch some earlier games, but you would have liked to see some smoother buckets considering he just had a big scoring night and all.

[MMyhre]

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.

He does not tick all the boxes for skills. The physicals and decisionmaking are very good, but he has a long way to go in terms of developing variety to his driving/finishing game, then you add the shooting uncertainty, seems to become a solid spotup 3 pt guy, not a onball killer, and I don't hate your Shawn Marion mention at all.

The two way,do it all type of player that lacks the offensive scoring refinement/game to be a top dog. That's my current projection, of course that changes if he actually, you know, stops spamming the same driving moves every game and keeps understanding/adding things bit by bit.

You have to fail a bit to get there though, try and miss a bit. Not sure if he dares to do that in the pressure.

[Papi_swav]

Bad game against Miami, he doesnt seem able to go for fast layups off one leg in traffic, always has to stop and go for the "power leap" off two legs, which is slower, more easily contested, you lose that opportunity to blow by and get to the glass uncontested, he seems pretty poor at finding easy layups for himself in general, he always slows down and has to pick up his dribble too much, doesnt seem able to find angles for right foot leaps into left handed layups in particular, even though he likes to go left.

This guy is just a hyped college jock isnt he? Is he actually working on his game or is he just abusing his physical tools to look dominant in the now? I feel like its the latter, no way in hell this guy is scoring an efficient 20 in the NBA if he doesnt address the flaws in his driving/finishing game in particular, he looks surprisingly awkward for someone this hyped, I have never watched anything besides his dunks and stuff, nothing generational here.

I hate to sound like a hater, but its just disappointing, I guess I should watch some earlier games, but you would have liked to see some smoother buckets considering he just had a big scoring night and all.

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.

[FarBeyondDriven]

Bad game against Miami, he doesnt seem able to go for fast layups off one leg in traffic, always has to stop and go for the "power leap" off two legs, which is slower, more easily contested, you lose that opportunity to blow by and get to the glass uncontested, he seems pretty poor at finding easy layups for himself in general, he always slows down and has to pick up his dribble too much, doesnt seem able to find angles for right foot leaps into left handed layups in particular, even though he likes to go left.

This guy is just a hyped college jock isnt he? Is he actually working on his game or is he just abusing his physical tools to look dominant in the now? I feel like its the latter, no way in hell this guy is scoring an efficient 20 in the NBA if he doesnt address the flaws in his driving/finishing game in particular, he looks surprisingly awkward for someone this hyped, I have never watched anything besides his dunks and stuff, nothing generational here.

I hate to sound like a hater, but its just disappointing, I guess I should watch some earlier games, but you would have liked to see some smoother buckets considering he just had a big scoring night and all.

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

[UcanUwill]

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.

I agree but generational prospect doesn't mean generational player, rare for guys to reach their perceived ceiling, especially for highest touted guys, so logical that there would be more generational prospects than generational players. I think the knock on Flagg here, he might not be generational, because his ceiling probably is a top 4-6 guy in a league, but not really multi time MVP, I don't think. I think he is one of the safest picks you can make, no way he isn't awesome, but Wembanyama's or James' or maybe even Zion's ceiling he doesn't probably have.

[UcanUwill]

We should start a business - I'm not good at guessing height or age, but I can guess weight. We could set up a booth at a carnival. Maybe go on the road.

You guys need a circus cryer or whatever they call those dudes that brings customers in?

I wonder what is that guys salary? Honestly, probably very little, considering there are probably less people who can do that, than there are good basketball players who make millions of dollars haha

[MasterIchiro]

My version of back-of-napkin math...

The more aggressive the tank, the more likely it is the scouts see a superstar(s) at the highest probability lottery odds slots.

It's a calculated gamble for Cooper Flagg. Maybe they see him as a superstar and maybe Harper has a chance as well.

It's impossible to prove and tough to gage but the tanking looks really aggressive in many ways right now. My seat is front row Hornets and I've watched how they play bring back a key player, then rotate out a key player, slow walk injuries.

When we played the Jazz, they removed their starting 5 minus Kessler.

I don't recall the tanking on this level last year for Risacher, Sarr, Reed, and Castle. There's clearly no superstar in that bunch.

I think the scouts are bullish on the odds Cooper becomes a superstar.

[Marvin Martian]

My version of back-of-napkin math...

The more aggressive the tank, the more likely it is the scouts see a superstar(s) at the highest probability lottery odds slots.

It's a calculated gamble for Cooper Flagg. Maybe they see him as a superstar and maybe Harper has a chance as well.

It's impossible to prove and tough to gage but the tanking looks really aggressive in many ways right now. My seat is front row Hornets and I've watched how they play bring back a key player, then rotate out a key player, slow walk injuries.

When we played the Jazz, they removed their starting 5 minus Kessler.

I don't recall the tanking on this level last year for Risacher, Sarr, Reed, and Castle. There's clearly no superstar in that bunch.

I think the scouts are bullish on the odds Cooper becomes a superstar.

Flagg is a perfect fit visually for Utah though. They always have a problem keeping talent because players hate the city

[MalonesElbows]

My version of back-of-napkin math...

The more aggressive the tank, the more likely it is the scouts see a superstar(s) at the highest probability lottery odds slots.

It's a calculated gamble for Cooper Flagg. Maybe they see him as a superstar and maybe Harper has a chance as well.

It's impossible to prove and tough to gage but the tanking looks really aggressive in many ways right now. My seat is front row Hornets and I've watched how they play bring back a key player, then rotate out a key player, slow walk injuries.

When we played the Jazz, they removed their starting 5 minus Kessler.

I don't recall the tanking on this level last year for Risacher, Sarr, Reed, and Castle. There's clearly no superstar in that bunch.

I think the scouts are bullish on the odds Cooper becomes a superstar.

The depth in this lottery is also driving the tank beyond Flagg though. It's not like the Wemby draft where there were 0 consolation prizes. For a small market like Utah with no superstar ever walking through the door through free agency, you simply have to strategically tank during strong draft years.

[Special_Puppy]

My version of back-of-napkin math...

The more aggressive the tank, the more likely it is the scouts see a superstar(s) at the highest probability lottery odds slots.

It's a calculated gamble for Cooper Flagg. Maybe they see him as a superstar and maybe Harper has a chance as well.

It's impossible to prove and tough to gage but the tanking looks really aggressive in many ways right now. My seat is front row Hornets and I've watched how they play bring back a key player, then rotate out a key player, slow walk injuries.

When we played the Jazz, they removed their starting 5 minus Kessler.

I don't recall the tanking on this level last year for Risacher, Sarr, Reed, and Castle. There's clearly no superstar in that bunch.

I think the scouts are bullish on the odds Cooper becomes a superstar.

The depth in this lottery is also driving the tank beyond Flagg though. It's not like the Wemby draft where there were 0 consolation prizes. For a small market like Utah with no superstar ever walking through the door through free agency, you simply have to strategically tank during strong draft years.

Miller and Scoot weren’t consolation prizes?

[MalonesElbows]

My version of back-of-napkin math...

The more aggressive the tank, the more likely it is the scouts see a superstar(s) at the highest probability lottery odds slots.

It's a calculated gamble for Cooper Flagg. Maybe they see him as a superstar and maybe Harper has a chance as well.

It's impossible to prove and tough to gage but the tanking looks really aggressive in many ways right now. My seat is front row Hornets and I've watched how they play bring back a key player, then rotate out a key player, slow walk injuries.

When we played the Jazz, they removed their starting 5 minus Kessler.

I don't recall the tanking on this level last year for Risacher, Sarr, Reed, and Castle. There's clearly no superstar in that bunch.

I think the scouts are bullish on the odds Cooper becomes a superstar.

The depth in this lottery is also driving the tank beyond Flagg though. It's not like the Wemby draft where there were 0 consolation prizes. For a small market like Utah with no superstar ever walking through the door through free agency, you simply have to strategically tank during strong draft years.

Miller and Scoot weren’t consolation prizes?

Definitely not.

[JKiddy]

Uncle Rico!

[Papi_swav]

Bad game against Miami, he doesnt seem able to go for fast layups off one leg in traffic, always has to stop and go for the "power leap" off two legs, which is slower, more easily contested, you lose that opportunity to blow by and get to the glass uncontested, he seems pretty poor at finding easy layups for himself in general, he always slows down and has to pick up his dribble too much, doesnt seem able to find angles for right foot leaps into left handed layups in particular, even though he likes to go left.

This guy is just a hyped college jock isnt he? Is he actually working on his game or is he just abusing his physical tools to look dominant in the now? I feel like its the latter, no way in hell this guy is scoring an efficient 20 in the NBA if he doesnt address the flaws in his driving/finishing game in particular, he looks surprisingly awkward for someone this hyped, I have never watched anything besides his dunks and stuff, nothing generational here.

I hate to sound like a hater, but its just disappointing, I guess I should watch some earlier games, but you would have liked to see some smoother buckets considering he just had a big scoring night and all.

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