Why Cooper Flagg Will Be One of the NBA’s Most Heralded Rookies

Cooper Flagg (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Every week, Mark Medina shares his thoughts and insights on the latest NBA topics for RG. In this installment, he gives his take on Duke star Cooper Flagg and his NBA trajectory. 

Even before he dazzled the college basketball world with his thunderous dunks, crisp passes and defensive intensity, Cooper Flagg impressed the NBA’s elite players and coaches with tangible qualities that suggest he will soon become an NBA star.

To prepare for the Paris Olympics, the U.S. men’s national team scrimmaged in Las Vegas against a select team that featured the teenage phenom garnering more respect following nearly every play.

Welcome to the Big Leagues

Flagg made a corner 3 over an elite defensive big man (Anthony Davis). Flagg then nailed a turnaround jumper over an elite defensive wing (Jrue Holiday). Flagg then sank a side-step 3 over Davis. After the national team committed a turnover on the next play, Flagg ran a fast break, rebounded Keegan Murray’s missed 3 and delivered a putback while Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo fouled him.

The U.S. national team salvaged a 74-73 win, but all the attention centered on Flagg in the final minutes and afterwards. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James dapped Flagg with a congratulatory tap. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant then spoke enthusiastically about Flagg’s skills and trajectory in an enthusiastic tone.

“He looked like a hell of a player, somebody that is only going to get better with more experience,” Durant said.

“He’s 17 years old, coming in and playing like he’s almost a vet. No emotion. He’s just out there doing his job. That’s a good sign.”

Cooper has provided more good signs nearly nine months after impressing Team USA with both his balanced game and aggressiveness.

With the same qualities that earned his respect among USA Basketball players and coaches, Cooper has led top-ranked Duke (35-3, 19-1 in ACC) during his freshman season in points (18.9), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2) and steals (1.4) en route to a Final Four appearance against the No. 1 Houston Cougars on Friday. Regardless of that outcome, Cooper will hear NBA Commissioner Adam Silver proclaim him on June 25 as the NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick. Though there aren’t any NBA prospects that ever become a finished product at 18 years old, Flagg has shown enough evidence to show he will become a generational talent.

After all, the NBA has seven teams that have tanked in hopes of improving their draft lottery odds. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors all will transform into instant playoff contenders if they can plant their Flagg. That’s partly because Flagg represents the antithesis of most projected No. 1 picks.

The All-Around Asset

Despite producing viral moments, Flagg has established more value by impacting winning than producing highlight reels. Despite establishing his game at American-based prep schools (Montverde Academy) and college (Duke), Flagg displays a fundamentally sound game that mirrors European prospects. Despite attracting attention as the latest Duke star, Flagg has become increasingly intriguing more for his substance than for his hype.

Unlike other No. 1 picks expected to carry a franchise, Flagg does not possess a singular or distinguishable talent. Tim Duncan perfected a bank shot. James possessed Magic Johnson’s grace in a tight end’s body. Kyrie Irving maintained a smooth and creative game. Zion Williamson showcased both power and playmaking. Victor Wembanyama presents distinguishable length.

But Flagg can still carry a franchise because he does everything well. He can score at the rim and from deep. He can create his own shot both with great playmaking and smart off-the-ball movement. He can elevate his teammates with well-timed passes. He can defend at a high level both with embracing one-on-one matchups and staying disciplined in team schemes. He has shown more enthusiasm for following the habits that make a great player than the attention that any great player attracts.

With those qualities, Flagg can easily carry Utah, Washington and Brooklyn out of the doldrum. If he lands on a team that already has an established pecking order? Even easier. The San Antonio Spurs can rely more on De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama. The Pelicans can work around Williamson, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III. The Sixers can lean more on Joel Embiid and Paul George. Flagg still possesses the necessary skillset and personality to excel in a complementary role.

That will also allow Flagg to ease into the NBA more gradually as he adjusts to the league’s more intense physicality. To Flagg’s credit, don’t expect him to hit a rookie wall. He competes well through injuries. He trains maniacally to assume a heavy workload. He doesn’t shy away from contact. He doesn’t seem consumed with his statistics, accolades or attention. Regardless of his role, Flagg contributes to winning basketball.

Who knows how Flagg’s NBA career will pan out exactly. He can fill in those blanks through at least the next decade. As shown during his scrimmage against the best players in the world, Flagg has proven that he belongs.