CMB or someone else?

[HiJiNX]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

[anotherhomer]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

Cooper has flagged a lot more potential

[HiJiNX]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

Cooper has flagged a lot more potential

I think Cooper has a narrative behind him that is larger than his talent level. He just doesn’t have scoring instincts as an iso player and that’s a hard thing to develop at the NBA level.

Again, I think Cooper will be an awesome player with multiple all star selections and probably some other awards but I would never bet on him being the best player on a championship contender. Neverrrrr.

[Rainman66]

Flagg is not by any means already a better defined player than Scottie barnes, that is crazy. Flagg has barely shown flashes of being a glorified Terrence Ross, he should start with this ceiling first.

You had me at the first sentence. Lost me with the second one.

Terrence Ross is closer to Scottie Barnes than Cooper Flagg is to Terrence Ross, Flagg will surpass both these players but hasnt done anything yet to be a better defined player than Scottie already.. thats just malpractice lol

[dballislife]

man i didnt even want cmb on draft night, i didnt know he could guard centers he guarded jokic and sabonis fine for his first games, i didnt know he was this heavy and strong yet surprising quick for his frame...he was an undersized big that couldn't shoot the 3, which was of course a problem...but we often care too much about the 3 cause he shows great potential at everything else beside the 3

i honestly wouldn't trade him for anyone in the draft other than cooper, his defensive potential is that great...hes a star even if he avg 15 ppg and hes a underrated passer

[Badonkadonk]

Honestly CMB was a blind spot for me this year. I was so certain that Maluach was going to be the guy, I didn't even watch vids on him. Didn't help he played for South Carolina and I didn't get to watch him much during the season. Aside from Maluach I liked the idea of Carter Bryant.

Once we drafted him and I actually watched him, I knew he'd be strong defensively but not THIS good. He's got a legit chance to be the top defensive player in this draft (Cooper and Carter also great), but his offense and feel for the game in general is also way better than I imagined.

Once you dig into it, his South Carolina numbers are more impressive in context, getting 17/8/2 with almost 3 stocks while being the only decent player + primary scoring option + defensive anchor? Yes please.

He will force Darko's hand in terms of rotation minutes.

[dTox]

CMB

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using RealGM mobile app

[YogurtProducer]

A lot doesn't need to go right. He's already cemented himself as a rotation piece..

Bruh - CMB could have a good career and maybe not even be as good as Flagg might be this season.

To suggest CMB doesnt need a lot to go right to exceed Flagg is insanity.

Did you miss Flagg getting embarrassed by Gabe Vincent?

Oh no! Did Flagg have a guy hit a couple 3’s when he was guarding him?

You’re right. CMB will lock down every single player he matches up with all season long.

[Thaddy]

Bruh - CMB could have a good career and maybe not even be as good as Flagg might be this season.

To suggest CMB doesnt need a lot to go right to exceed Flagg is insanity.

Did you miss Flagg getting embarrassed by Gabe Vincent?

Oh no! Did Flagg have a guy hit a couple 3’s when he was guarding him?

You’re right. CMB will lock down every single player he matches up with all season long.

At a higher rate than Flagg will. He has the better physical tools for it.

[WhatsaTDot]

This thread reminds of the old climbing game on the Price is Right. Until he falls off a cliff.

[Thaddy]

This thread reminds of the old climbing game on the Price is Right. Until he falls off a cliff.

Saying he'll be a good starter with defensive skills isn't a stretch.

[Clay Davis]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

My impression of Flagg is that he has shown a capacity for actualizing his potential; I never watched him in high school or college, but I've gotten the impression that his game in college demonstrates that he is clearly not averse to putting work in. Huge green flag! Since he'd have been able to dominate with solely his athleticism. I feel like he may have the courage to think that he could be the best player to ever pick up a basketball.

That being said becoming an elite iso scorer seems to be the most difficult thing in the league to become (more people try it than anything else, since they realize that a scorer who can't do anything else will get paid tens of millions more throughout their career than a player who can't do anything else but say rebound).

The rizz of FLAG.... the hard worker...

[WiggOuts]

CMB has something special between the ears. He has a certain calm but monstrous demeanor that you only see from big game stars. I'm not saying hes going to become that but its a hard thing to find...I dont think they had anyone else in mind when the draft clock started

[Yallbecrazy]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

Flagg is still 18...his offensive game is very refined and he absolutely has the potential to develop a 1on1 game.

[YogurtProducer]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

Cooper Flagg in college - 19.2ppg/7.5rpg/4.2apg - .481/.385/.840 as a 17 year old
Scottie Barnes in college - 10.3ppg/4.0rpg/4/1apg - .503/.275/.621 as a 19 year old

There is a reason why he is much more heralded.

I would say current Barnes is Flagg's floor.

[YogurtProducer]

Did you miss Flagg getting embarrassed by Gabe Vincent?

Oh no! Did Flagg have a guy hit a couple 3’s when he was guarding him?

You’re right. CMB will lock down every single player he matches up with all season long.

At a higher rate than Flagg will. He has the better physical tools for it.

Even if that is true, Flagg clears him so far offensively it is not even funny.

CMB might hold a sight defensive edge, but his offence is so rough currently he might never become more than bench defender. Flagg is a lock to be a starting player for his entire career

[Thaddy]

Oh no! Did Flagg have a guy hit a couple 3’s when he was guarding him?

You’re right. CMB will lock down every single player he matches up with all season long.

At a higher rate than Flagg will. He has the better physical tools for it.

Even if that is true, Flagg clears him so far offensively it is not even funny.

CMB might hold a sight defensive edge, but his offence is so rough currently he might never become more than bench defender. Flagg is a lock to be a starting player for his entire career

CMB had a 74 FG% around the rim which was the best in college. He did that with no spacing since his team couldn't shoot and through a lot of double teams. He was playing in the best conference in the NCAA too. He has a good offensive game in the high post, I'd say it's better than Derrick Queen.

[YogurtProducer]

At a higher rate than Flagg will. He has the better physical tools for it.

Even if that is true, Flagg clears him so far offensively it is not even funny.

CMB might hold a sight defensive edge, but his offence is so rough currently he might never become more than bench defender. Flagg is a lock to be a starting player for his entire career

CMB had a 74 FG% around the rim which was the best in college. He did that with no spacing since his team couldn't shoot and through a lot of double teams. He was playing in the best conference in the NCAA too. He has a good offensive game in the high post, I'd say it's better than Derrick Queen.

Sure, that is great.

Flagg is a whole nother level of good. Flagg is a guy who at his prime might be an MVP candidate.

Lets see if CMB gets off the bench first.

[Thaddy]

Even if that is true, Flagg clears him so far offensively it is not even funny.

CMB might hold a sight defensive edge, but his offence is so rough currently he might never become more than bench defender. Flagg is a lock to be a starting player for his entire career

CMB had a 74 FG% around the rim which was the best in college. He did that with no spacing since his team couldn't shoot and through a lot of double teams. He was playing in the best conference in the NCAA too. He has a good offensive game in the high post, I'd say it's better than Derrick Queen.

Sure, that is great.

Flagg is a whole nother level of good. Flagg is a guy who at his prime might be an MVP candidate.

Lets see if CMB gets off the bench first.

CMB isn't starting over Ingram/Barnes. Maybe RJ if he under performs but he's look really good too. I honestly think if the Raptors picked Flagg they would have brought him off the bench. Maybe RJ gets benched but that would hit the team chemistry kind of hard?

[PushDaRock]

We are doing a lot of premature crowning of Flagg, which…I think is folly. The funny thing is that he’s a similar player to Barnes — versatile, high energy defender, who has a good understanding of how to facilitate an offence…but lacks true scoring prowess on an island. It’ll be interesting to see it play out, but I stand by what I’ve said before that Flagg’s best role in the future will be as a super role player third option on a contender. He’s not a guy you’re going to be able to give the ball to late in a game and say, “get me a bucket.” He will excel at most other things, however.

As for the conversation at hand, I’m happy we got CMB. And I’m glad we didn’t draft Malauch who didn’t show much in terms of heart when things got tough in the NCAA tournament.

He's still 18.

Even if the ISO scoring never develops at high volume, he's still going to easily average over 20 a game in his prime efficiently while doing everything else above average to elite. That's an All-NBA level player. If the standard is he needs to be an elite top 5 player to justify the hype, that seems quite unfair.