Cooper Flagg could eventually become the NBA’s replacement for LeBron James.
But comparing the former Duke star to current and past pro players has become increasingly volatile as the first round of the 2025 draft approaches.
Cooper Flagg could soon become the NBA’s next big starFor months, Flagg has been locked in as the NBA‘s next No. 1 overall pick, and he’s expected to instantly change the Dallas Mavericks‘ franchise on Wednesday.
But is Flagg a 2025 version of Michael Jordan, an undisputed No. 1 NBA talent, or Scottie Pippen, a career No. 2?
ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas constantly praised Flagg during a pre-draft interview on Tuesday at a hotel in Manhattan.
“I can’t tell you how many times I was stopped for people to ask about Cooper,” said Bilas, recalling a trip to Flagg’s home state of Maine.
“He’s bigger than Taylor Swift there. It’s amazing.
“But I go back to the competitiveness. His maturity level at 18 is kind of hard for me to process, that he takes advantage of every opportunity that’s in front of him.”
The 6ft 9in and 205lb Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks during his lone season at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four as a freshman.
His all-around game is ready-made for the modern NBA, which emphasizes switching and exploiting player matchups across the court.
Yet Flagg isn’t a speedy point guard or classic big man, and there are questions about how dominant he can become in a league that’s been led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James in the last two decades.
Bilas mentioned two NBA players when discussing Flagg’s potential NBA ‘floor’ and ‘ceiling.’
GettyHe’s jumping to the NBA after one season at Duke[/caption] GettyAndrei Kirilenko was a good NBA role player but only made one All-Star team[/caption]One of the players made a single All-Star team during a 13-year pro career.
The other player earned an All-Rookie team selection in 2021-22, but hasn’t made an All-Star squad yet.
“His ceiling is All-NBA. He’s that type of player and that type of prospect,” Bilas exclusively told talkSPORT.
“I think some scouts will say he reminds them of Andrei Kirilenko. I think he’s like a bigger, longer, more athletic Franz Wagner — he’s so skilled. And Wagner’s been great in the NBA.
“He’s got star potential in the league. When people talk about ‘floor,’ the only floor for him is if he gets injured. As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to be a truly outstanding NBA player for a long time.”
The Russian-born Kirilenko (6ft 9in, 220lb) was a fan favorite with the Utah Jazz, and one of the NBA’s most unique players during the 2000s.
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But Kirilenko struggled with injuries and consistency, and finished his career averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
He never won an NBA title, and was more of a defensive force than an offensive star.
The Berlin-born Wagner was the No. 8 pick by the Orlando Magic in 2021.
He’s averaged 19.1 points and 4.8 rebounds through four seasons, starting all 291 of his games played.
Yet Wagner’s next All-Star team will be his first, and he’s not the best player on the Magic.
Bilas made it clear that he’s a big believer in Flagg.
But determining the Duke star’s NBA value — franchise face or a supporting star — is a debate among fans that is just beginning.
“Cooper Flagg would have been a top pick in any draft in history,” Bilas said.
“He might not have been the top pick in any draft, but he’d be right up there because he’s a complete player.
“So it’s not a question of fit. There’s no system that he can’t fit into and thrive. He’s a team-guy and he’s got a we-first mentality as a star. But he still has the ego of a star, which is a nice combination.”
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