Cooper Flagg, expected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is leading Duke into the Final Four against Houston on Saturday. His outstanding performance raises an important question: Which NBA players, both past and present, are the best comparisons for him?
ESPN consulted with NBA executives and scouts, who provided five comparisons based on Flagg`s evolving offensive skills, versatility, and defensive abilities.
Player comparisons are a common, though sometimes controversial, way to discuss prospects among scouts. While not perfect, they can help set expectations and imagine the roles a player might develop into.
One Western Conference executive told ESPN, “I want to know, in the worst case, if we use a pick on this guy, give me someone who made it to the league who he reminds you of.”
“It helps build the case for why he`s an NBA player. You can give me two players, this player with a bit of that player, even someone from an older era. It`s easier to persuade people when you can say, `This guy reminds me of that guy.`”
Flagg`s first-team All-American season makes him a complex case study because top prospects have unique qualities that distinguish them. Their diverse skill sets often bring to mind several different players at once.
Here are five players that NBA scouts are considering as they evaluate Flagg. These comparisons are meant to show the range of possible outcomes and highlight his strengths on both offense and defense.
Ceiling Comparison: Kawhi Leonard
Bio: Small forward; 6-foot-7; 227 pounds
Drafted: No. 15 overall in 2011 by the Indiana Pacers (traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night)
NBA front office perspective: “Flagg is really good defensively and can immediately impact the game on that end with his size, effort, and basketball IQ. He has always been a strong defender, and his offense is developing. His path is similar to Kawhi`s early NBA career, as someone with many valuable qualities who became a real two-way force as his game became more complete.” – Western Conference scout
Similarities: Leonard`s NBA development into an effective perimeter scorer and top defender is an ideal outcome for Flagg.
They share stylistic similarities. Offensively, neither has the flashiest style with the ball, but both rely on balance and footwork in the midrange, create plays for teammates, and prefer attacking the basket over settling for threes. Leonard became a primary option in the NBA; the main question for Flagg is whether he can reach that scoring level.
Defensively, both use their size and instincts to disrupt opponents. Flagg, at 6-foot-9, is a better shot blocker, used by Duke as a help defender. Leonard`s strength and large hands made him a top wing defender. This comparison suggests Flagg`s impact on winning, combined with offensive growth, could make him a franchise player like Leonard.
Differences: Leonard`s development was exceptional. He evolved from a raw power forward at San Diego State into a two-way star and Finals MVP with the Spurs, later becoming more offense-focused. His unique growth makes him a difficult comparison.
However, Flagg is more advanced offensively and has achieved more success at a younger age than Leonard was entering the NBA. While development is unpredictable, this bodes well for Flagg`s scoring potential. His freshman stats suggest he`s on a faster track than Leonard, who entered the draft at 20 as a sophomore.
Leonard is more physically developed with a 7-3 wingspan. Flagg is taller and leaner with a 6-11 wingspan. Flagg may be more versatile defensively, guarding bigger players, but might not become the wing stopper Leonard was at his peak. Few could defend wings one-on-one like Leonard in his Spurs years.
Stats: Leonard and Flagg were very different college players, as their stats show, highlighting Flagg`s progress compared to Leonard`s sophomore year in 2011.
Flagg`s efficiency (60% TS), playmaking (5.6 assists per-40 pace adjusted), and 3-point shooting (37% vs. Leonard`s 27%) are much better, showing his polish. Leonard rebounded more and had similar steals, but wasn`t the scorer or playmaker Flagg is, developing those skills in the NBA. There`s optimism Flagg will continue to improve offensively.
Floor Comparison: Lamar Odom
Bio: Power forward; 6-10; 220 pounds
Drafted: No. 4 overall in 1999 by the LA Clippers
NBA front office perspective: “His ease and comfort handling the ball on the perimeter—we discuss if players are inside players moving outside or perimeter players moving inside. Flagg is very comfortable on the perimeter. Odom was a late growth spurt player with guard skills. You love a 6-10 player who handles the ball like a 6-3 guard.” – Western Conference Executive No. 1
Similarities: Using Odom, a two-time NBA champion and Sixth Man of the Year, as a floor comparison highlights Flagg`s versatility. Even if Flagg`s scoring plateaus, his ability to be a point forward, create for teammates, and provide lineup flexibility is valuable.
Odom often acted as a tall ball-handler in the NBA and played point guard at Rhode Island. His career improved after joining the Heat and then the Lakers in the Shaq trade. With the Lakers, Odom`s all-around offensive game and defensive versatility were crucial to the 2009 and 2010 championships.
While expectations for Flagg are higher than for Odom, seeing him as a point forward who also impacts defense points to his high potential.
Differences: Flagg is expected to surpass Odom`s NBA production. Odom was a standout at Rhode Island, leading them to an Atlantic 10 title, but Flagg`s impact on a title contender is different. Odom`s off-court issues hindered his NBA ceiling. Executives have no such concerns about Flagg.
Stats: Odom averaged 17.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per-40 in his single Rhode Island season, shooting 53% on 2s, 33% on 3s, and 68.7% from the line. (Pace-adjusted stats from that era are unavailable).
Flagg`s season stats are better than Odom`s in every category, suggesting this comparison is conservative, but Odom`s all-around game explains the comparison.
Prime Comparison: Jayson Tatum
Bio: Small forward; 6-8; 210 pounds
Drafted: No. 3 overall in 2017 by the Boston Celtics
NBA front office perspective: “Both at Duke showed they could succeed in many ways. Flagg recently had poor shooting nights, like against Alabama, but still greatly helped his team win. Shooting concerns about both were likely overstated. They both have uncommon offensive feel for their size and usage.” – Second Western Conference Executive
Similarities: Tatum, a one-and-done Duke player, became one of the NBA`s best players in his mid-20s, leading a championship team in 2024. A talented high school scorer, Tatum developed from a midrange player into a versatile offensive threat.
Flagg and Tatum are similar in size, with Flagg slightly taller and both having 6-11 wingspans. Both had rigid jump shots in high school, especially from three.
Tatum`s balanced, high-volume offense with the Celtics shows how Flagg could develop, especially if his team uses him heavily. Tatum has succeeded without being an elite 3-point shooter, averaging mid-to-high 30s on high volume. He has improved his passing, reaching a career-high 5.9 assists per game this season.
Differences: Stylistically, Flagg and Tatum were different as college freshmen. Tatum`s weaknesses were shot selection and limited passing, which took time to improve. Flagg is a better playmaker, with more than double Tatum`s assists at Duke, and passing is key to his NBA value. Flagg`s shot selection is more team-oriented, but Tatum was a more polished shot creator.
Flagg enters the NBA as a more impactful defender than Tatum, who improved defensively with the Celtics but wasn`t known for defense as a prospect. Tatum has learned to use his size and rebounding well. Flagg should be more impactful defensively as a rookie and long-term.
Stats: Stats show Flagg`s impressive college performance compared to Tatum.
His better passing (5.6 assists per 40 vs. Tatum`s 2.6) and advanced stats (+37.3 net rating, +14.5 BPM) show his defensive impact on a stronger Duke team. Tatum`s efficiency was close (57.3% true shooting vs. Flagg`s 60%).
Second-Star Comparison: Scottie Pippen
Bio: Small forward; 6-8; 228 pounds
Drafted: No. 5 overall in 1987 by the Seattle SuperSonics (traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night)
NBA front office perspective: “I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1 option, and was after MJ left Chicago, but he became the best No. 2. Cooper will be a great No. 2, but might need a top 10 player with him. He could prove me wrong, but I don`t see him as the No. 1 on a championship team.” – Eastern Conference General Manager
Similarities: This comparison suggests Flagg might be best as a co-star with a high-scoring primary option. Pippen is considered the best “second star,” winning six titles with Michael Jordan and the Bulls. This emphasizes Flagg`s all-around impact, even if he doesn`t become a top scorer.
Pippen was never a top scorer, thriving in a versatile role alongside Jordan, focusing his energy on defense. Flagg`s offensive skills might be best used similarly, with his passing and ball-handling allowing him to excel as a point forward.
Differences: Pippen was a more explosive athlete who overpowered defenders and excelled in transition, using his strength and length. It`s early to know Flagg`s physical development, but he doesn`t play with the same force.
Flagg`s feel and perimeter skills are more advanced than Pippen`s, who was a walk-on at Central Arkansas and developed late. Flagg`s better shooting suggests he might surpass Pippen offensively, but doesn`t guarantee he`ll be a No. 1 scorer.
Stats: While eras differ, the Pippen comparison reflects Flagg`s ability to impact the game in many areas.
Pippen averaged 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.1 steals as a 21-year-old senior at Central Arkansas in 1986-87, showing all-around impact at a lower level. He developed into a versatile player in the 90s but took a few NBA seasons to emerge.
Wildcard Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko
Bio: Small forward; 6-9; 220 pounds
Drafted: No. 24 overall in 1999 by the Utah Jazz
NBA front office perspective: “Kirilenko led the NBA in blocks! I don`t see Flagg doing that. Kirilenko had the energy to focus on defense because he was a role player offensively. Kirilenko`s block numbers as a non-center were incredible, in an era with fewer possessions. But Flagg is projected to be more significant offensively.” – Western Conference Executive No. 1
Similarities: This comparison was common for Flagg before the season. Flagg`s defensive mindset and impact reminded scouts of Kirilenko, a top defender upon entering the NBA. Kirilenko led the league in blocks (3.3 per game) in 2004-05.
Flagg`s reach and defensive playmaking are key to this comparison.
Differences: The more we see of Flagg, the less this comparison fits. Kirilenko was far behind Flagg offensively at a similar stage. Kirilenko peaked at 16.5 points per game in the NBA, was not a great shooter or scorer, and not a primary offensive initiator. Flagg`s offensive talent is much higher—his passing and feel make him different.
Also, Kirilenko had a 7-foot-4 wingspan, aiding his shot blocking.
Stats: Kirilenko`s rookie season (2001-02) saw him finish third in Rookie of the Year voting, with 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.9 blocks, and 55.3% true shooting in 26 minutes per game. He rarely shot threes and made 48% of his 2-point attempts.
Assuming health, Flagg should exceed these offensive stats, with more minutes and possessions in the NBA. Flagg likely won`t block as many shots, but his defensive impact should still be significant.
