Cooper Flagg, a standout player for the Duke Blue Devils, is generating significant buzz as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. His remarkable skill set and versatility have led to comparisons with former NBA star Andrei Kirilenko. While this comparison highlights Flagg’s potential as a defensive powerhouse, it also raises concerns regarding his offensive development.
Flagg’s defensive prowess is evident in his ability to guard multiple positions, similar to Kirilenko’s role during his career. Standing at 6-foot-9, Flagg combines size and agility, allowing him to impact games on the defensive end significantly. His current averages of 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game mirror Kirilenko’s reputation as an elite defender, making this comparison understandable among scouts.
However, while Kirilenko excelled defensively, questions about his offensive game lingered throughout his career. Flagg faces similar scrutiny as he continues to develop his scoring abilities. Although he has shown flashes of offensive potential, including a recent uptick in his shooting percentage, there remain doubts about whether he can become a primary scoring option in the league.
The challenge for Flagg will be to embrace the offensive role while maintaining his defensive impact. He has demonstrated growth in his shooting and playmaking, but consistency will be key as he transitions to a higher level of competition. NBA teams will be keenly interested in whether he can evolve into a versatile offensive threat while retaining his elite defensive skills.
NBA Analysis’ Andrei Kirilenko Comparison For Cooper Flagg Highlights Major Concern for Duke Star
As it stands, Flagg’s comparison to Kirilenko has shown a major concern. This can be seen in an analysis by Jonathan Wasserman for Bleacher Report.
Mirroring the Russian would mean a best-case outcome defensively for Flagg, who’s averaging 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. It would also mean a worst-case outcome offensively, which would show the teenager relying mostly on athleticism and occasional spot-up shooting for scoring.
Flagg still isn’t a shooter by label right now, and while he’s improved his self-creation, the one-on-one execution doesn’t scream “No. 1 option in the NBA” just yet.
As Flagg prepares for the NCAA tournament, his performance will be critical in shaping his draft stock. If he can showcase his scoring ability alongside his defensive talents, he may allay concerns about his offensive readiness. This dual-threat capability will be a determining factor for teams evaluating him for the top pick.
Flagg’s comparison to Andrei Kirilenko highlights both his defensive potential and the pressing need for offensive growth. As the draft approaches, Flagg’s ability to balance these aspects of his game will be crucial in securing his place among the top prospects. His journey at Duke will play a significant role in defining his future in the league.
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