Cooper Flagg, expected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is leading Duke into the Final Four. His outstanding performance raises an important question: Which NBA players, past and present, best mirror his abilities?
ESPN consulted with NBA executives and scouts to identify five player comparisons for Flagg, focusing on his evolving offensive skills, versatility, and defensive talent.
Comparing prospects to current and former players is a common practice among scouts. While not perfect, these comparisons help manage expectations and visualize a player`s potential role in the NBA.
One executive emphasized the value of these comparisons: “I need to know the floor. If we draft this guy, who in the league does he remind you of?” Another noted that comparisons help build a case for a player`s NBA readiness and make it easier to explain their potential impact.
Flagg`s standout season as a first-team All-American makes him a unique case. Top prospects often possess a blend of skills that draw parallels to multiple players.
Here are five players that NBA scouts are considering when evaluating Flagg. These comparisons aim to illustrate his possible career paths and highlight his strengths on both offense and defense.
Ceiling Comparison: Kawhi Leonard
Small forward; 6-foot-7; 227 pounds
Drafted: No. 15 overall in 2011
NBA Scout Perspective: “Flagg is already a high-level defender with size, effort, and basketball IQ. His defense is game-changing. Offensively, he`s developing similarly to Kawhi early in his career – possessing valuable skills and becoming a two-way force as his offensive game refines.”
Similarities: Leonard`s NBA evolution into a strong perimeter scorer and elite defender represents an ideal outcome for Flagg. Both players share stylistic similarities offensively, prioritizing balance and footwork in the midrange, creating for teammates, and attacking the basket over settling for threes. The key question is whether Flagg can reach Leonard`s level as a primary scorer.
Defensively, both use size and instincts to disrupt opponents. Flagg is already a notable shot blocker at 6-foot-9, while Leonard became a premier wing defender known for his strength and large hands. This comparison suggests Flagg could become a franchise-level player with continued offensive growth and similar impact on winning.
Differences: Leonard`s development was exceptional and rare. He transformed from a raw power forward into a two-way star and Finals MVP. This makes him a challenging comparison. Flagg is currently ahead of Leonard`s development at the same age, particularly offensively. While development is unpredictable, this is a positive sign for Flagg`s scoring potential. Leonard has a more developed upper body and longer wingspan (7-3 vs. Flagg`s 6-11). Flagg may offer more defensive versatility guarding different forward positions but might not become the same caliber wing stopper Leonard was at his peak.
Statistical Comparison: Leonard and Flagg`s college stats highlight Flagg`s advanced development compared to Leonard`s sophomore year.
| Pts | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk | TS% | NET | BPM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagg | 25.3 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 60% | +37.3 | +14.5 |
| Leonard | 19.4 | 13.4 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 50.8% | +23.1 | +8.3 |
| Notes: NET = Net rating; BPM = Box plus-minus; TS% = True Shooting percentage | ||||||||
Flagg`s efficiency, playmaking, and three-point shooting are significantly ahead of Leonard`s at the same stage. While Leonard was a stronger rebounder, Flagg is a more polished scorer and playmaker, suggesting potential for further offensive growth.
Floor Comparison: Lamar Odom
Power forward; 6-10; 220 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 overall in 1999
NBA Executive Perspective: “Flagg`s perimeter ball-handling is exceptional for his size. He`s comfortable on the perimeter like Odom, who was a late-growth-spurt player with guard skills. You love a 6-10 guy with the ball skills of a 6-3 guard.”
Similarities: Using Odom, a two-time NBA champion and Sixth Man of the Year, as a floor comparison highlights Flagg`s valuable versatility. Even if Flagg`s scoring plateaus, his point-forward ability, playmaking, and lineup flexibility would be significant assets.
Odom excelled as an oversized ball-handler and point forward. His versatility was crucial to the Lakers` championships in 2009 and 2010, playing various roles offensively and defensively. While expectations for Flagg are higher, the comparison to Odom’s all-around impact sets a high floor.
Differences: Flagg is on track to exceed Odom`s NBA production. Flagg`s impact on a top team surpasses Odom`s college achievements. Odom`s off-court issues potentially limited his career ceiling, but scouts have no such concerns about Flagg.
Statistical Comparison: Odom averaged 17.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per-40 in college, shooting 53% on 2s and 33% on 3s. Flagg`s current season stats are ahead in most categories, suggesting the Odom comparison might be conservative, but it reflects Odom`s all-around game.
In-His-Prime Comparison: Jayson Tatum
Small forward; 6-8; 210 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 overall in 2017
NBA Executive Perspective: “Both Flagg and Tatum at Duke showed potential for multiple paths to success. Flagg remains impactful even on poor shooting nights. Concerns about their shooting were likely overstated. Both have uncommon offensive feel for their size and usage.”
Similarities: Tatum, a Duke one-and-done, has become an NBA star and championship anchor. He evolved from a midrange scorer into a more versatile offensive threat. Flagg and Tatum are similar in size, both around 6-8 with 6-11 wingspans. Both were initially seen as somewhat mechanical jump shooters.
Tatum`s balanced, high-usage offense with the Celtics shows a potential path for Flagg, especially if given high usage. Tatum has succeeded without elite 3-point shooting, expanding his passing ability over time. Flagg could develop similarly.
Differences: As college freshmen, Tatum was less polished as a playmaker and had questionable shot selection. Flagg is a more natural playmaker, with significantly more assists than Tatum in college. Flagg`s shot selection is also more team-oriented. While Tatum was a more refined scorer early on, Flagg is entering the NBA as a more impactful defender. Tatum has improved defensively but was not known for it as a prospect. Flagg is expected to be more impactful defensively from the start.
Statistical Comparison: Flagg`s college stats compare favorably to Tatum`s, highlighting his impressive performance at a young age.
| Pts | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk | TS% | NET | BPM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagg | 25.3 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 60% | +37.3 | +14.5 |
| Tatum | 20.1 | 8.8 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 57.3% | +13.8 | +6.7 |
| Notes: NET = Net rating; BPM = Box plus-minus; TS% = True Shooting percentage | ||||||||
Flagg`s superior passing and strong advanced stats demonstrate his broader impact, especially defensively, on a successful Duke team. Tatum was slightly less efficient but still highly effective.
Second-Star Comparison: Scottie Pippen
Small forward; 6-8; 228 pounds
Drafted: No. 5 overall in 1987
NBA General Manager Perspective: “Like Scottie, Cooper could be a number one option, and was after Jordan left, but Scottie became the best number two ever. Cooper could be a great number two, possibly needing a top-10 player alongside him to contend for a championship. He could prove me wrong, but I don`t see him as a number one on a championship team.”
Similarities: This comparison suggests Flagg might be best utilized alongside another elite scorer. Pippen, considered the best `second star,` won six championships with Michael Jordan. This highlights Flagg`s potential all-around impact, even if he doesn`t become a top-tier scorer.
Pippen thrived in a versatile, do-it-all role next to Jordan, focusing his energy on defense. Flagg`s offensive skills and playmaking could also flourish in a similar role as a hybrid point forward.
Differences: Pippen was a more explosive athlete, using physicality and transition play to his advantage. Flagg`s frame and playing style are different. Flagg`s perimeter skills and feel for the game are more advanced than Pippen`s were early in his career. Flagg is already a better shooter, suggesting potentially greater offensive impact, though not necessarily as a primary scorer.
Statistical Comparison: While eras differ, the Pippen comparison reflects Flagg`s potential to impact the game in numerous ways.
Pippen averaged 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.1 steals in his senior year, demonstrating an all-around game, although at a lower level of competition. He developed into a versatile star after a few NBA seasons.
Left-Field Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko
Small forward; 6-9; 220 pounds
Drafted: No. 24 overall in 1999
NBA Executive Perspective: “Kirilenko led the NBA in blocks as a non-center, which is incredible. He focused more on defense because he was a role player offensively. Flagg is projected to be much more significant offensively.”
Similarities: This comparison was common for Flagg earlier in the season, emphasizing his defensive mentality and impact. Kirilenko was a strong defender upon entering the NBA, even leading the league in blocks.
Flagg`s defensive instincts and reach are the basis for this comparison, highlighting his potential as a defensive playmaker.
Differences: This comparison is becoming less relevant as Flagg`s offensive game has emerged. Kirilenko was less developed offensively, never becoming a high-volume scorer or versatile offensive initiator. Flagg`s passing and offensive feel set him apart. Kirilenko also had a longer wingspan (7-4), contributing to his shot-blocking prowess.
Statistical Comparison: Kirilenko`s rookie season included 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.9 blocks, and 55.3% true shooting in 26 minutes. Flagg is expected to surpass these offensive numbers with more playing time and offensive responsibility in the NBA. While Flagg may not reach Kirilenko`s block numbers, his overall defensive impact should be significant.
