As the basketball world eagerly anticipates the 2025 NBA Draft, one name is already making waves: Cooper Flagg. The young prodigy has captured the attention of scouts, executives, and fans alike, with many projecting him to be a top pick. Despite the hype surrounding his potential, there is one area of his game that remains a point of contention – his jump shot.
Flagg’s stock soared even higher this summer after a short stint with the Team USA select team. He faced off against the 2024 Olympics roster, which included NBA stars like LeBron James and Jayson Tatum. Flagg’s performance against such elite competition left many impressed and convinced of his bright future.
In a recent 2025 mock draft, scouts and executives shared their thoughts on Cooper Flagg. The comparisons to former NBA forward Andrei Kirilenko were frequent, highlighting Flagg’s versatility and defensive prowess. However, the consensus was clear – his shooting needs significant improvement.
“Many scouts have compared Flagg to Kirilenko, and I think that’s a fair assessment,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “I think he’ll eventually be a good second or third option on a really good NBA team. His shooting stroke doesn’t look great right now, but he makes a ton and he’s not afraid to take them at his size.”
Flagg, standing at 6-foot-8 with a wingspan of over seven feet, possesses the physical attributes that make scouts salivate. His college career at Duke, starting next season, will be closely monitored as he hones his skills before becoming eligible for the 2025 draft.
The Kirilenko Comparison: A Double-Edged Sword:
Andrei Kirilenko had a respectable NBA career, spanning 13 seasons and earning one All-Star appearance along with three All-Defensive team selections. Kirilenko was known for his versatility, defensive acumen, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. However, he was never a prolific shooter, a trait that seems to have been passed down in comparisons to Flagg.
While being compared to a player of Kirilenko’s caliber is a compliment, it also underscores the limitations in Flagg’s game. In today’s NBA, where shooting is more crucial than ever, Flagg will need to develop a consistent jump shot to avoid being pigeonholed as a defensive specialist.
Praise from NBA Circles:
Despite the critiques, Flagg has received significant praise from various corners of the NBA world. Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, who had the opportunity to coach Flagg during the Team USA scrimmages, was effusive in his praise.
Cooper Flagg taking over. 🔥
(via @BenGolliver, h/t @DukeNBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 8, 2024
“He’s a special young man,” said Mosley. “His talent level, his basketball IQ, his level of toughness, not afraid of those moments, protect the rim, make the right play, make the right read. He had all that.”
Such commendations from an NBA coach highlight Flagg’s potential and the positive impact he could have at the professional level. His performance during the scrimmages, where he sometimes looked like the best player on the floor against NBA stars, further solidified his status as a top prospect.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the NBA:
With a year still to go before the draft, Flagg has ample time to refine his game. His upcoming season at Duke will be critical in determining his draft stock. If he can dominate at the collegiate level as he did in high school, he is likely to be the first name called on draft night.
However, the shadow of his inconsistent shooting looms large. In a league where three-point shooting has become a premium skill, Flagg’s ability to improve in this area will be crucial to his success. His willingness to take shots despite a flawed stroke shows confidence, but developing a reliable jump shot will be essential for his transition to the NBA.
Cooper Flagg’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. His physical tools and basketball IQ make him an enticing prospect for any NBA team. However, the concerns about his shooting are legitimate and could define his career trajectory.
Flagg’s comparison to Andrei Kirilenko is both a blessing and a curse. While it highlights his defensive capabilities and versatility, it also brings attention to the need for a more polished offensive game. In today’s NBA, where floor spacing and shooting are paramount, Cooper Flagg must develop a reliable jump shot to maximize his potential.
Next year at Duke, there will be a litmus test for Flagg. It will be an opportunity to silence critics and prove that he can adapt and thrive at higher levels of competition. His performance against top-tier talent during the Team USA stint indicates that he has the mindset and skills to succeed. Now, it’s about putting in the work to refine his game and address the weaknesses that have been pointed out.
As we look forward to the 2025 NBA Draft, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg. Will he rise to the occasion and solidify his status as the top prospect, or will his shooting woes hinder his ascent? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Flagg’s journey to the NBA will be one of the most closely watched narratives in basketball.
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