Flagg’s first-team All-American season makes him a challenging case study because elite prospects have special qualities that set them apart. The diversity of their skill sets often call to mind several different players at once. Here are five players whom NBA scouts tell us they’re leaning into as they go through their own evaluations for Flagg. These comps are designed to illustrate his range of outcomes and highlight his strengths on both sides of the ball. Jump to a Flagg comp: Jayson Tatum | Kawhi Leonard | Lamar Odom | Scottie Pippen | Andrei Kirilenko
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
StatMuse @statmuse
Kawhi last 10 games:
26.5 PPG
7.4 RPG
2.1 SPG
57/50/83%
Fun Guy is back. pic.x.com/ZUuk2ze08K – 8:53 AM
Kawhi last 10 games:
26.5 PPG
7.4 RPG
2.1 SPG
57/50/83%
Fun Guy is back. pic.x.com/ZUuk2ze08K – 8:53 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Tim Hardaway Jr. passed Kobe Bryant in three-pointers last night for No. 29 in NBA history.
Also: Kawhi Leonard moved ahead of Spencer Haywood in scoring for No. 171. – 3:35 AM
Tim Hardaway Jr. passed Kobe Bryant in three-pointers last night for No. 29 in NBA history.
Also: Kawhi Leonard moved ahead of Spencer Haywood in scoring for No. 171. – 3:35 AM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
A look at the #AllNBA picture by games played…
1st: Jokic
Shai Giannis (needs 3 more G, 7 left) Tatum Mitchell
2nd/3rd mix: Cade Brunson (needs 4 more G, 6 left) Mobley Edwards LeBron (needs 1 more G)… – 3:11 AM
A look at the #AllNBA picture by games played…
1st: Jokic
Shai Giannis (needs 3 more G, 7 left) Tatum Mitchell 2nd/3rd mix: Cade
Brunson (needs 4 more G, 6 left) Mobley Edwards LeBron (needs 1 more G)… – 3:11 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
There was a moment in 2nd half where James Harden was forcefully instructing Kawhi Leonard while Clippers were on defense
I asked Kawhi about how he and James have gotten to the point where they can hold each other accountable in the moment, and Kawhi shared what that means pic.x.com/5DBKV8W1fM – 2:14 AM
There was a moment in 2nd half where James Harden was forcefully instructing Kawhi Leonard while Clippers were on defense
I asked Kawhi about how he and James have gotten to the point where they can hold each other accountable in the moment, and Kawhi shared what that means pic.x.com/5DBKV8W1fM – 2:14 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Asked James Harden about the level of chemistry Clippers have compared to previous teams he has been on
James wasn’t interested in comparing past teams. But he specifically mentioned Kawhi Leonard’s January return and February trades boosting chemistry
“Where it needs to be.” pic.x.com/vvNu73WLFi – 2:07 AM
Asked James Harden about the level of chemistry Clippers have compared to previous teams he has been on
James wasn’t interested in comparing past teams. But he specifically mentioned Kawhi Leonard’s January return and February trades boosting chemistry
“Where it needs to be.” pic.x.com/vvNu73WLFi – 2:07 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard starts April off with:
28 points
11/18 FGs
3 assists
2 steals
3/5 3s
He checks out after 38 minutes
For more @TheAthletic on Kawhi playing in April for Clippers
nytimes.com/athletic/62489… – 12:42 AM
Kawhi Leonard starts April off with:
28 points
11/18 FGs
3 assists
2 steals
3/5 3s
He checks out after 38 minutes
For more @TheAthletic on Kawhi playing in April for Clippers
nytimes.com/athletic/62489… – 12:42 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue is challenging the out of bounds following a Kawhi Leonard block – 12:25 AM
Tyronn Lue is challenging the out of bounds following a Kawhi Leonard block – 12:25 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has his 48th 30 point game of the season.
30 point game leaders
1. SGA: 48
2. Giannis: 37
3. Jokic: 28
4. Tatum: 27
5. Booker/Edwards: 23 – 12:02 AM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has his 48th 30 point game of the season.
30 point game leaders
1. SGA: 48
2. Giannis: 37
3. Jokic: 28
4. Tatum: 27
5. Booker/Edwards: 23 – 12:02 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tied at 8 with 6:44 left in 1st quarter
That happens to be Kris Dunn’s number. Pelicans have decided that he can get all the shots he wants, with Kelly Olynyk “guarding” him.
Dunn has 5 points on 2/3 FGs. Rest of Clippers hadn’t scored until Kawhi Leonard 3. – 10:50 PM
Tied at 8 with 6:44 left in 1st quarter
That happens to be Kris Dunn’s number. Pelicans have decided that he can get all the shots he wants, with Kelly Olynyk “guarding” him.
Dunn has 5 points on 2/3 FGs. Rest of Clippers hadn’t scored until Kawhi Leonard 3. – 10:50 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
C’s now mixing Scheierman in place of White with Tatum, Brown, Pritchard, Kornet. – 9:06 PM
C’s now mixing Scheierman in place of White with Tatum, Brown, Pritchard, Kornet. – 9:06 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
First game of April last year was in Sacramento.
Showed up for shootaround and it was announced that Kawhi Leonard was off the trip because his knee flared up.
He was never full strength again in 2024.
But now… it’s first game of April and Kawhi is ready to keep it going pic.x.com/f62PmE27Bi – 8:41 PM
First game of April last year was in Sacramento.
Showed up for shootaround and it was announced that Kawhi Leonard was off the trip because his knee flared up.
He was never full strength again in 2024.
But now… it’s first game of April and Kawhi is ready to keep it going pic.x.com/f62PmE27Bi – 8:41 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Highsmith beats the buzzer from 3 after Herro ran by everyone on the #Celtics for a layup and Tatum fell to 1/7 FG. C’s trail by 14 at half, their largest deficit since Feb. 26 at the #Pistons. – 8:39 PM
Highsmith beats the buzzer from 3 after Herro ran by everyone on the #Celtics for a layup and Tatum fell to 1/7 FG. C’s trail by 14 at half, their largest deficit since Feb. 26 at the #Pistons. – 8:39 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
6-5 #Heat, #Celtics haven’t made a shot since going without a center (Pritchard-White-Hauser-Craig-Tatum). – 8:33 PM
6-5 #Heat, #Celtics haven’t made a shot since going without a center (Pritchard-White-Hauser-Craig-Tatum). – 8:33 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Tatum falls to 1/6 as the #Celtics continue to trail by double-digits approaching halftime. – 8:29 PM
Tatum falls to 1/6 as the #Celtics continue to trail by double-digits approaching halftime. – 8:29 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Down to Miami in the second quarter, Celtics go with Donut Lineup — Tatum, White, Hauser, Craig, Pritchard. No center. – 8:27 PM
Down to Miami in the second quarter, Celtics go with Donut Lineup — Tatum, White, Hauser, Craig, Pritchard. No center. – 8:27 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
This could add to the swing here. 3 point foul on Mitchell and then a tech. Tatum hits the free throw and now White gets three – 8:27 PM
This could add to the swing here. 3 point foul on Mitchell and then a tech. Tatum hits the free throw and now White gets three – 8:27 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
You almost never see Tatum pass up shots he should take like he did there in transition. – 8:00 PM
You almost never see Tatum pass up shots he should take like he did there in transition. – 8:00 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Good find Brown to Tatum attacking baseline and scanning the floor. – 7:46 PM
Good find Brown to Tatum attacking baseline and scanning the floor. – 7:46 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Heat at Celtics – TD Garden – April 2, 2025 – Starters
Boston – White, Hauser, Brown, Tatum, Kornet
Miami – Tyer Herr, Alec Burks, Pelle Larson, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware
OUT – Boston: Horford, Holiday, Porzingis Miami: Wiggins, Love, Robinson, Jovic, Smith pic.x.com/SlVvXoVIpZ – 7:05 PM
Heat at Celtics – TD Garden – April 2, 2025 – Starters
Boston – White, Hauser, Brown, Tatum, Kornet
Miami – Tyer Herr, Alec Burks, Pelle Larson, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware
OUT – Boston: Horford, Holiday, Porzingis Miami: Wiggins, Love, Robinson, Jovic, Smith pic.x.com/SlVvXoVIpZ – 7:05 PM
David Cobb @DavidWCobb
Cooper Flagg edged Johni Broome in the @CBSSportsCBB voting for National Player of the Year.
More on the race here + our staff’s Coach of the Year pick 👇
cbssports.com/college-basket… – 12:52 PM
Cooper Flagg edged Johni Broome in the @CBSSportsCBB voting for National Player of the Year.
More on the race here + our staff’s Coach of the Year pick 👇
cbssports.com/college-basket… – 12:52 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“You called me one day and said, ‘what are your thoughts on Cooper graduating early?’”
Matt MacKenzie, Cooper Flagg’s trainer, gives some credit to Brian Scalabrine
@resultsbb | @TheFrankIsola | @Scalabrine pic.x.com/Z3sngVIdX1 – 10:58 AM
“You called me one day and said, ‘what are your thoughts on Cooper graduating early?’”
Matt MacKenzie, Cooper Flagg’s trainer, gives some credit to Brian Scalabrine
@resultsbb | @TheFrankIsola | @Scalabrine pic.x.com/Z3sngVIdX1 – 10:58 AM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
The Raptors are predictably terrible, but above average at the tanking game this season. Currently have a 7.5% chance at Cooper Flagg. With the tariffs, however, that’s only 1.6%. – 8:39 PM
The Raptors are predictably terrible, but above average at the tanking game this season. Currently have a 7.5% chance at Cooper Flagg. With the tariffs, however, that’s only 1.6%. – 8:39 PM
Rod Boone @rodboone
Asked Mark Williams about Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who he’s played some pickup ball with and seen in person. pic.x.com/K6uzMa6Xxi – 10:06 PM
Asked Mark Williams about Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who he’s played some pickup ball with and seen in person. pic.x.com/K6uzMa6Xxi – 10:06 PM
More on this storyline
NBA front office take: “[Flagg]’s really good defensively and can be a game changer on that end pretty much immediately with his size, effort and IQ. He’s always been a very good defender and the offense is coming along. It’s a very similar path to the one Kawhi was on early in his NBA career, as a guy who had all these really useful qualities, and then entered as a real two-way force as he rounded out his game.” — a Western Conference scout -via ESPN / April 3, 2025
Jorge Sierra: Tim Hardaway Jr. passed Kobe Bryant in three-pointers last night for No. 29 in NBA history. Also: Kawhi Leonard moved ahead of Spencer Haywood in scoring for No. 171. -via Bluesky / April 3, 2025
Unsurprisingly, Pascal Siakam also gave props to Kawhi Leonard, who won the 2019 NBA Finals MVP during his lone season with the Raptors. “I think for me, there was a point where he looked like nobody can stop him, like he could just do whatever he wants. There were points where you just give him the ball and he’s just going to get to one spot, and there was nothing you could do about it… the handle was tight, the three was there, and then he would go and dunk on you too,” Siakam added. -via Daily Hive / April 2, 2025
NBA front office take: “I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1 guy, and was after MJ left [Chicago], but he became by far the best No. 2. I think Cooper will be a hell of a No. 2, but he might need a top 10 [player] running mate with him. He can obviously prove me wrong, but I don’t see him as a No. 1 guy on a championship team in his career.” — a Eastern Conference general manager -via ESPN / April 3, 2025
KC Johnson: Coby White joins Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and DeMar DeRozan as only Bulls to earn at least one Player of Month award. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / April 1, 2025
Your dad, Scottie Pippen, was sitting courtside. Do you have an extra gear on the court when you see him or is it kind of like whatever? Scotty Pippen Jr: I think it’s kind of like whatever. He’s been to a lot of games at this point. It’s cool just to see like finally I’m at this level. Him being able to come to my game and support me, whether it be LA, whether it be Memphis or somewhere on the road. But at this point, I’m kind of just used to it. -via HoopsHype / March 25, 2025
NBA front office take: “Both of them at Duke presented really positively as guys that were going to have a couple of off-ramps to be super successful. We’re seeing that with Flagg recently, he’s had poor shooting nights like against [Alabama in the Elite Eight], and still was super impactful [toward] winning. … People questioned both of their shots, which turned out to be a silly concern, probably. They both have really good feel offensively in a way that’s just uncommon for their size and usage. — a second Western Conference executive -via ESPN / April 3, 2025
The top of the ballot has remained remarkably static this season. Not only have Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic been in the top two spots in all three polls, but Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum have occupied Nos. 3 and 4 as well. -via ESPN / April 3, 2025
Courtside Buzz: HEAT WIN SIX STRAIGHT & SNAP CELTICS’ NINE-GAME WIN STREAK, 124-103! 🔥 Tyler Herro: 25 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB, 7/18 FGM Bam Adebayo: 21 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB, 9/15 FGM Jaylen Brown: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 10/20 FGM, 29 MIN Jayson Tatum: 16 PTS, 4/17 FGM – 23.5% (🔥🗑 post to follow) Miami gets hot at the right time; as they’re close to clinching the play-in tournament! -via x.com / April 2, 2025
