The Brooklyn Nets are expected to acquire Duke freshman Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft in Bleacher Report Latest mock draft. Given that the Nets have the lowest win total in the NBA heading into the 2024-25 season, they should have a safe pick if all goes according to plan.
Flagg, the top-ranked player in ESPN’s 2024 Top 100, is a 6-foot-10 forward with a wealth of versatility. The 17-year-old is already considered a game-changer for any NBA franchise as the top prospect in a highly touted 2025 class.
Given all the hype, what are some realistic comparisons between Flagg players?
The most notable comparison is to Jayson Tatum. Given their similar build, Flagg and Tatum also share similar playstyles. Flagg is more of a slasher but can also extend his range a bit, similar to Tatum coming out of Duke. Flagg’s size and athleticism also make him a versatile defender, capable of defending from the one to the five on the court.
Another comparable player to Flagg is Andrei Kirilenko. Kirilenko has played the four for most of his NBA career, as Flagg likely will when he enters the league. They are both versatile forwards with excellent footwork and a good feel for the game. Flagg has an athletic edge, but they are similar in many other ways.
The last player often compared to Flagg is Scottie Pippen. This would be a high expectation to meet, as Pippen is one of the best two-way players in history, if not the best, but Pippen and Flagg share similarities in their games. Flagg is about two inches taller than Pippen, but they are both versatile defenders with the ability to contribute just as much on offense.
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