The hunt is on!
The primary week of the NBA season is within the books, and for a few of us, that is thrilling as a result of it means we’re nearer to the top of the season. Nearer to the venture. We’re nearer to touchdown that participant who may lastly change the fortunes of our horrible workforce. Nearer to Cooper Flagg.
For these unfamiliar with Flagg (you should not be), here is what it is advisable to know. He is a 6-9 ahead from Newport, Maine with unbelievable size and athleticism, nice defensive instincts and an excellent offensive recreation that continues to enhance. He is a freshman at Duke this 12 months, however as the most effective prospect since Victor Wembanyama, he’ll be the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NBA Draft. At simply 17 years outdated, Flagg was a member of the USA Choose 2024 workforce that educated with the nationwide workforce forward of the Paris Olympics. And he greater than held his personal!
Any workforce that’s not ready to significantly contend for a title within the close to future ought to do all the things they will to offer themselves an opportunity to draft Flagg. Meaning shedding… rather a lot. And most will not should attempt very exhausting, which makes these tank wars all of the extra compelling.
As a determined however hopeful Washington Wizards fan, I took it upon myself to comply with this season’s greatest losers. You’ll be able to come right here for all issues Flagg, together with a rating of the highest tankers and updates on Flagg’s efficiency at Duke. Here is the place issues stand after the primary week.
I hang around with Mr. Cooper
Here is what Cooper Flagg did.
Duke had an exhibition towards Arizona State on Sunday night time, and a blowout would not start to explain the kicking the Blue Devils gave the Solar Devils.
That mentioned, Flagg’s providers had been solely wanted for 20 minutes. He completed 3 of 9 from the sector for 9 factors, 4 rebounds and three assists.
It was an excellent ending for the and-1.
And it was a dunk on a quick break to get the group excited.
Tank Rankings
1. Detroit Pistons (0-3)
Latest matches: L vs. Pacers, L vs. Cavs, L vs. Celtics
The Pistons climb from No. 4 in my unreleased preseason rankings to No. 1 because of an ideal 0-3 opening week. Nevertheless, they’ve been comparatively aggressive, averaging an eight-point margin towards groups that each one made the playoffs a 12 months in the past, together with the 2 Jap Convention runners-up. To allow them to slip when the schedule slackens. We must always all hope that’s the case. Detroit has had No. 1 draft lottery odds in 4 straight years. They cannot preserve getting away with this.
2. Washington Wizards (0-2)
Latest matches: L vs. Celtics, L vs. Cavs
The Wizards took care of enterprise, getting cheered by the Celtics and Cavaliers by a mean margin of practically 20 factors.
3. Brooklyn Nets (1-2)
Latest matches: L at Hawks, L at Magic, W towards Bucks
I began this rating with the Nets because the No. 1 workforce after an 0-2 begin. Then they inexplicably determined to win their residence opener towards the Bucks on Sunday. Brooklyn was the preseason chief in touchdown the No. 1 choose, however they can not preserve profitable video games like this.
4. Portland Path Blazers (1-2)
Latest matches: L vs. Warriors, L vs. Pelicans, W vs. Pelicans
Like Brooklyn, the Path Blazers began 0-2 earlier than profitable a giant Sunday towards a workforce they’d no enterprise beating, the Pelicans. However at the least Portland has the excuse of taking part in two video games in a row in New Orleans.
5. Utah Jazz (0-2)
Latest matches: L vs. Grizzlies, L vs. Warriors
The Jazz make a shock look on this first rating after shedding a detailed recreation to the Grizzlies and shedding by 41 to the Warriors, leaving them among the many 5 remaining winless groups.
Most fan(tank)stic second
It is by no means an excellent signal when a workforce is extra combative towards the followers than the workforce they’re taking part in towards – until after all shedding video games is the aim! On this case, the Nets are doing very properly.
Dennis Schroder had Ben Simmons’ again after a Magic fan talked to him within the hallway following Friday’s loss to Orlando.
Warning: Video incorporates NSFW language
Good for Schroder. Even higher for the Nets with out ambiance
Half stick
A fast have a look at a workforce that is not tanking exhausting sufficient.
I believe we will all agree that the Chicago Bulls do not should beat the Milwaukee Bucks. Sadly for Flagg’s Chicago hopes, the Bulls did not get that memo.
Chicago is just not solely coated as a 9.5 level highway canine, they beat the Bucks by 11 factors behind a 35 level outburst from Coby White. On condition that the Bulls’ first-round choose goes to San Antonio if they do not make the highest 10, they could need to get their act collectively.
Then once more, if the Bucks proceed like this, they might be part of the tank listing.
The week forward
Duke’s exhibition schedule is over, so we can’t see Flagg once more till Duke’s residence opener on November 4. Within the meantime, there’s loads of NBA motion to maintain us busy because the league’s worst groups proceed to battle for place.
Video games to notice
October 28: Wizards at Hawks
October 30: Raptors vs. Hornets
October 30: Hawks at Wizards
October 31: Spurs at Jazz
November 1: Bulls at Nets
This text was initially printed on For The Win: Seize the Flagg: the Pistons do their outdated methods once more
