Cooper Flagg

Flagg is a do-it-all forward that plays with supreme confidence and physicality. His downhill scoring, mid-range touch, and ability to attack mismatches make him a force in the scoring department. What separates Flagg from any other player in this class is his ability to dominate a game without needing to put the ball in the hoop. He’s a switchable defender that can shut down your best wing, protect the rim, and force turnovers on the perimeter. Flagg can pick you apart with his passing when you sell out to stop him from getting to the basket. He doesn’t turn 19 until mid-December and led Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

Strengths:

  • High-level athlete with an NBA-ready frame.

  • Aggressive slasher who can play through contact in the paint.

  • Advanced passing feel with the ability to operate as a pick-and-roll ball handler

  • Versatile defender that is athletic enough to guard quicker wings and strong enough to defend bigger forwards.

  • Provides rim protection from the wing position. Quick off his feet and has the length and leaping ability to block shots.

  • Comfortable in the post and knows when to attack mismatches.

  • Elevates well on his jumper and has touch in the mid-range.

  • Much improved shooter from three point range, efficient on catch and shoot looks.

  • Effective on the glass with the ability to high point rebounds in traffic.

Weaknesses:

  • Can be loose with the ball when dribbling in traffic.

  • Relies on contested shots in the mid-range area when his drives get cut off.

  • Moments of shooting inconsistency, missing jumpers to the left or right.

  • Struggles to create separation on drives at times, relying on overpowering or shooting over defenders.

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