The 2025 NBA Draft is being touted as one of the best in years, with multiple prospects who look like they’ll excel as pros. Chief among them is Cooper Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 pick next summer. The Duke commit is even earning comparisons to former All-Stars.
Projected No. 1 Draft Cooper Flagg Pick Compared to Andrei Kirilenko
Flagg “is like (Andrei) Kirilenko,” an NBA scout tells HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Pointing to his dynamic defense, the scout believes Flagg will be a multipositional weapon who can excel as a helpside shot-blocker. This is indeed where Kirilenko excelled, the 13-year veteran finishing in the top-10 in blocks per game in five seasons. An athletic combo forward with great length at 6-foot-9, his parallels with Flagg are also physical.
“He’s very impactful defensively, can guard multiple positions, and is a great weak-side shot blocker. He makes plays for others in the halfcourt and transition. He’s a good transition finisher who’s an athletic wing player. His halfcourt offense is a concern. He needs to shoot it better. Creating his offense in the half court will be a question.”
Yet, the scout has concerns about Flagg’s offense due to his streaky shooting and limitations as a shot-creator.
Another scout believes Flagg “has a quick first step and is an aggressive finisher around the basket.” On the other hand, he cautions that the 17-year-old “doesn’t create much off the dribble offensively…”
“He’s more of a four than a three due to his supreme athletic nature. The consistency of his outside shot improving will depend on how much emphasis is put in allowing him to shoot it in real games and not just practice.”
It all comes back to the other end though, as “his defense is way ahead of his offense.”
It’s Safe To Say…
The scouts aren’t the only ones who believe Flagg’s game mirrors that of the former Utah Jazzman.
“…that’s a fair assessment,” an NBA executive tells HoopsHype. Citing Flagg’s offensive upside, defensive attributes, versatility, and physical tools, he believes 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. I think he’s going to eventually make more shots than people think.
His best attribute right now is his defense. Overall, he can play in so many different ways. He can come over and help on defense. He can guard bigger and some smaller players. He plays extremely hard and with energy. That stuff matters. With his athleticism, he can be played in pick-and-roll situations with the ball or as the screener. He’s a versatile player.”
Turning heads through high school and after, his play with Team USA’s Select Team the latest evidence that he’s ready for the big time. With his playmaking feel and overall ability, he’s one of the safest prospects in a long time; there’s little question that he’ll be a good player.
A Challenger At The Top
The Maine Event does have a challenger at the top of the draft: Rutgers commit Ace Bailey.
Earning comparisons to Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, Bailey is the antithesis of Flagg. A superior athlete who can consistently create for himself, he could develop into the second or third option on a contender as well. Yet, Flagg has his own advantage over Bailey, possessing a more natural feel as a playmaker.
