NBA Scouts Weigh In on Cooper Flagg

In August, Cooper Flagg reclassified into the 2024 class. Upon the reclassification, he became the No. 1 player in the 2024 On3 150. Moving into the 2024 class made Flagg eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. 

“Flagg could be the next great prospect that the NBA world slaps a moniker on for a ranking effort,” an NBA scout told On3.

The NBA rule is for a player to be NBA Draft eligible, they have to turn 19 by December 31 of their draft year. With Flagg having a December 2006 birthday, he will turn 19 less than two weeks ahead of the deadline. 

Right after Flagg reclassified into the 2024 class, I asked NBA Draft Experts what they thought of Flagg’s game and how they would project him. Now that a little time has passed and NBA teams have had the chance to dive into Flagg’s game, I wanted to speak with the NBA scouts and get their thoughts. 

I granted anonymity as I talked with NBA scouts across the league. They provided their open and candid thoughts about Flagg as a prospect, looking ahead toward the highest level. 

Scouting Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg was on full display this summer, playing for his Maine United team on Nike’s EYBL E16 Circuit. The Five-Star Plus+ wing led the entire circuit, all age groups in blocked shots. His 4.5 blocks per game during the regular season was 1.5 than the player who finished No. 2. 

“Defense is where he stands out, and he competes,” one NBA scout told On3. “With him, his defense helps his offense, and he turns the defense into the offense. His ability on the defense end was apparent early. The way he competed, we saw that early on.”

Another NBA scout echoed that thought, “He’s super versatile on the defensive end. That’s what his best attribute is, the defensive instincts and his competitiveness.”

Flagg turned 16 in December of the 2022-23 season. He started all 26 games, classified as a sophomore, for nationally ranked Montverde (FL) Academy. The roster carried 12 players with Division 1 offers, including four seniors who are now freshmen at Power Six programs. 

Flagg led the team in steals (1.6) and blocks (2.2) while finishing third in points (9.8) and rebounds (5.2). The wing also finished second in assists (3.0) and field goal percentage (55.2%). 

“He’s arguably one of the best defensive prospects to ascent out of the grassroots ranks over the past ten years,” an NBA scout added.

The Offensive Game

While the continued progression of the shooting is still under the watchful eye of NBA scouts, they do find some positives about the current state of his offensive game. 

“He has really made strides offensively over the last year,” an NBA scout said. “The offensive stuff has continued to improve. I like the passing, and the shot-making is coming along.”

Through his last 50 games played, high school, and NIke’s EYBL E16 Circuit, Flagg has attempted 147 threes (2.9 per game), knocking down 35.4 percent of them. 

“The question is going to come down to the jump shot and where he is best utilized in the half-court setting,” an NBA scout told On3. “Can he make shots on the regular? Is he good enough to be the guy given the ball to run an offense in spurts but also play some small ball five that can develop into a mismatch out of the mid-post, high post, and also a cutter and a lob threat?”

Flagg Player Comps

After watching Cooper Flagg play with USA Basketball in the 2022 FIBA U17 World Games, there was some buzz with former NBA All-Star Andrei Kirilinko comparisons. Coming out of that event, Flagg led the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks en route to a gold medal.

“The defensive instincts and his versatility on that end of the floor are obvious,” one NBA scout said. “I’ve heard the Andrei Kirilinko comparisons, and that is valid.”

While most of the talk revolves around Flagg’s unique ability on the defensive end, many are taking note of his developments on the offensive end. 

“He’s like Paul George,” one scout said. 

Another NBA scout noted, “There is not many that come in the type of mold that he shows. He has a mixture of Giannis, Tatum, George, and Wagner all in one.”

How does it translate to the NBA?

Wrapping it all into one summary, how does Cooper Flagg’s skill set translate into the modern NBA?

“In our league, it’s all about size and skill,” one NBA scout said. “And, he has that. He competes on both ends of the floor, and he continues to get better. He can impact the game on both ends of the floor,”

There seemed to be little doubt among the NBA scouting community about Flagg’s defensive ability as it relates to the NBA. The instincts have them excited. 

“The defense,” an NBA scout said. “The instincts on that end translate immediately. The shot blocking is advanced. He can guard, too. I love how he competes. With young players, the offense is always a learning curve. I like his decision-making.”

When asked to wrap things up about Flagg as an NBA prospect, an NBA scout said, “He’s an explosive athlete and has a great feel. He can really pass. I like his feel with the ball in his hands. I think he is improving as a shotmaker.”

“At worst, as long as his motor and competitive edge doesn’t give, he’s got the chance to be a long-time presence on an All-NBA defensive list,” another NBA scout noted. “At best, he can be the face of the new frontier of the upcoming talent into the league that can become your top presence on both ends of the floor and have a say when playoff and championship talk is discussed for years to come.”