It has been a full month since my Final Seize of the Flagg Columnand as you will discover within the tank rankings under, not a lot has modified since then. The Washington Wizards stay my prime tankers and 4 of the highest 5 groups in my tank rankings stay the identical.
Two large variations between then and now are that the Philadelphia 76ers managed to fall out of the highest 5, going 10-5 since December 2 because of their improved well being, and the New Orleans Pelicans decreased the hole on the Wizards within the standings. up, uh… down?
Again in November, I wrote about how the Pelicans we should always contemplate increasing the listing if the defeat continued past a sure level within the season. Nicely, they’re previous that time. At 7-29, the Pels are all however assured to overlook the playoffs, which is disappointing for a workforce that had actual expectations coming into the season. Now, they’re extra more likely to decide No. 1 than compete for a title, and that ought to be the one purpose they should commit to an entire rebuild, which begins with buying and selling Zion Williamson.
Williamson is, in spite of everything, the rationale they’re on this state of affairs. He is the inspiration their whole workforce was constructed on, and he is been too unavailable for any construction to outlive. When wholesome, Williamson is likely one of the greatest gamers within the NBA, however how lengthy can the Pelicans maintain the wheels turning on a participant who is just by no means wholesome? A participant who has been obtainable for lower than 45% of the workforce’s video games since being drafted No. 1 total in 2019?
Williamson is now in his sixth yr and has but to play in a single playoff sport. Whereas that hasn’t stopped New Orleans from making the playoffs a number of occasions, the Pels have not gained a collection since 2018 — as a result of their greatest participant is rarely there. They will not have a greater alternative to hit the reset button than they’ve now. With gamers like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, it is the right time to half methods with a franchise cornerstone and change it with one which’s hopefully extra sturdy.
I hang around with Mr. Cooper
The most recent updates on Cooper Flagg.
January 1 (at SMU): 24 pts (7/12 FG), 2-2 (3-pt FG), 11 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk, 3 to
December 31 (vs. Virginia Tech): 24 pts (9/14 FG), 2/4 3-pt FG, 3 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl
If you happen to needed to see extra scores from Cooper Flagg, he delivered final month. After averaging about 16 factors in his first seven video games by November, the defensive stalwart is averaging 19 factors per sport in seven video games for the reason that begin of December. That features a minimum of 20 factors in 5 video games and 24 factors in every of his final two.
Cooper Flagg has appeared totally different in latest weeks. Appears like the sport is slowing down for him. Actually controlling the motion on the pitch and doing what he desires. He is at all times been nice however he is taking it to a different stage proper now and it is enjoyable to look at.
– Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) January 4, 2025
The distinction is not essentially in aggressiveness, as he is averaged only one additional shot try over the past seven video games. It’s because Flagg was more practical from three (27% to 33%) and on the free throw line (70% to 85%). Duke is undefeated down the stretch and has moved as much as No. 4 within the AP rankings at 10-2.
Former Duke first-round decide Derek Energetic II was in attendance for Wednesday’s win over SMU and interviewed Flagg after the sportand the freshman was speaking about this speech. “It was an excellent win, I bought one on the street. It was a bodily sport. I got here out and took them out,” Flagg mentioned.
Flagg’s confidence is clearly catching up together with his limitless expertise and we’re not even midway by the season. That is going to get actually scary for the sector.
Tank classification
1. Washington Wizards (6-27)
The Wizards had been in peril of dropping first place after seeing their profitable proportion climb above New Orleans’ with a victory over the Bulls, so that they did the very best factor they might do to carry on to first place : They misplaced consecutive video games towards the Pelicans. , Friday and Sunday. That is the way you kill two birds with one stone and crush the competitors.
2. New Orleans Pelicans (7-29)
The Pelicans aren’t out of rivalry in any respect after profitable back-to-back video games for the primary time since beginning the season 2-0, however they will wish to heed my recommendation and commerce Zion Williamson in the event that they plan to remain within the Flagg draw. Movies of Williamson figuring out surfaced final week, which might point out he’ll return quickly. And as soon as he does, the victories will quickly comply with… till he will get harm once more.
3. Charlotte Hornets (7-27)
To this point we have talked quite a bit concerning the Wizards and Pelicans, however the Hornets are coming in robust and seem like a workforce to look at in all of this. They’ve misplaced 10 straight video games, together with two to the Wizards, and have only one win of their final 19 video games. That is a bit disappointing for a workforce with a star participant like LaMelo Ball, however this workforce apparently is not able to compete but. Flagg might assist.
4. Toronto Raptors (8-27)
The Raptors ended their very own 11-game dropping streak with a win over the Nets to open the brand new yr, however with the upcoming schedule, one other lengthy dropping streak could possibly be on the way in which. This will probably be welcome, as inserting fourth is just not ok when solely the highest three losers get the very best lottery odds.
5. Utah Jazz (9-25)
The Jazz merely aren’t tanking arduous sufficient, which should not be a shock after how they competed final season. They’re truly using a two-game profitable streak after double-digit street wins over the Warmth and Magic this weekend. That is sufficient momentum to provide them an opportunity at dwelling towards the Hawks and Warmth of their subsequent two video games. Pull your self collectively, Utah.
The week forward
Cooper Flagg Video games
Tuesday: Pittsburgh at 4 Duke, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday: Notre Dame at 4 Duke, midday ET
NBA video games (to keep away from)
Monday: Path Blazers at Pistons
Wednesday: Pistons at Nets, Blazers at Pelicans
Friday: Wizards at Bulls
Sunday: Nets at Jazz
This text was initially printed on For The Win: Seize the Flagg: Pelicans ought to commerce Zion Williamson and begin once more
