
via Imago
Credits: Imagn Images

via Imago
Credits: Imagn Images
The Maine Event is dominating the ACC! Cooper Flagg and his Blue Devils are wreaking chaos upon their unwitting opponents, having won every single conference game so far. With his performance so far, there is little doubt that Flagg will go first overall in this year’s draft class. Normally, first-round picks face a lot of scrutiny. Some pan out, think of LeBron and Kyrie, and some don’t.
On the NBA Draft Notebook by CBS Sports College Basketball, show hosts Kyle Boone and Adam Finkelstein talked about everything Cooper Flagg. Finkelstein talked about the Montverde alum’s role in the NBA. “I do think that [his role] is somewhat ambiguous,” said the reporter. “Could he end up being a primary guy in the NBA? Sure. Given the growth he’s showing this year and the fact that he’s done it before? Not gonna rule that out at all. Does he have to be? No.”
Cooper Flagg is highly versatile. He can guard all five positions, and his court-vision is great for his height and age. What is difficult to determine, however, is how his career will pan out. According to Finkelstein, teams will be happy regardless of the specifics. “I think the ultimate luxury in drafting Cooper Flagg is you can say hey, no matter how this goes, he’s gonna be able to fit.”
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With how he has played thus far, and his effort on both ends of the court, it makes sense. The national reporter continued talking about scenarios for teams drafting Cooper Flagg. “If he ends up being the guy we clearly build around? Great, that’s the ideal scenario. But if he ends up being a great player, but not a go-to level scorer for a championship team, then he’s this generation’s Scottie Pippen or something like that. “
Pippen is an apt comparison for someone like Cooper Flagg, as their game resembles one another. The Blue Devils star possesses high IQ and passing ability and can handle the ball relatively well. Instead of a pure power forward, people would describe Flagg as a point-forward, a position that Pippen innovated.
What Finkelstein was trying to say, however, was that there’s no downside to drafting Flagg. This is a sentiment echoed by many analysts, as the Duke star has too much upside to ignore. His game is well-rounded, and he is touted to make an immediate impact on the NBA. The level at which he does, though, is something we will have to wait and see.
Which NBA team is going to land Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg is knocking on the NBA’s door. The only question? Who’s gonna snatch up the young forward from Duke? The answer, however, is not that simple. The draft lottery is set up so that the three worst regular season teams have a 14% chance of getting the first overall pick. However, teams with lower odds have also jumped up in the past.
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Currently, according to league standings, the Washington Wizards retain the highest odds of getting the first overall pick. It would be interesting to see how Flagg fits in with Kyle Kuzma, Corey Kispert, and Marvin Bagley in the frontcourt. The Wizards are led by Jordan Poole and Jonas Valunciunas and have recently acquired Alex Sarr as the second overall pick in the 2024 draft.

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Jan 18, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) dribbles the ball against Boston College Eagles guard Donald Hand Jr. (13) during the second half at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
But there’s a chance that Cooper Flagg could be making his way to Charlotte or New Orleans as well. They have similar chances to Washington when it comes to winning the first overall pick, and the combinations that Flagg would create are insane to think about. Imagine a world in which LaMelo Ball or Zion Williamson are teammates with the six-foot-nine forward from Duke.
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One thing is for certain, however—Flagg is meant for the big leagues. With his diverse skill set and competitive mindset, there is no doubt that the Maine Event belongs in the NBA. What do you think? Will Cooper Flagg live up to the hype? Which team will acquire him in this year’s draft? Only time will tell.
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Debate
Could Cooper Flagg redefine the point-forward role in the NBA, or is he just another Pippen?
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Could Cooper Flagg redefine the point-forward role in the NBA, or is he just another Pippen?
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