As NBA executives analyze Duke’s Cooper Flagg, one Western Conference executive reflected on his initial comparison to former All-Star Andrei Kirilenko, noting how his evolving skill set sets him apart. While Flagg once reminded him of the Utah Jazz star, he now sees the Duke Blue Devils forward’s ability to initiate offense and his defensive potential as traits that could make him a standout player in the league.
Flagg has quickly become one of the most talked-about freshmen in college basketball, demonstrating remarkable skills and versatility on the court. As a key player for Duke, he leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and blocked shots, showcasing a level of talent rarely seen in such a young athlete. Remarkably, Flagg has achieved multiple double-doubles in his first games, making history as the first 17-year-old in NCAA history to do so.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, Flagg is only now approaching a significant milestone: turning 18. This transition not only marks his entry into adulthood but also highlights the unique juxtaposition of his athletic achievements against the typical milestones of youth. While he is already performing at an elite level, he still navigates the limitations of being a legal minor, such as not being able to vote or engage in other adult activities.
Duke’s current season is off to a strong start, with a 9-2 record, and Flagg’s contributions are pivotal to this success. His performances against high-profile opponents, such as scoring 22 points against Auburn and 26 against Kentucky, demonstrate his ability to thrive under pressure. Coach Jon Scheyer has praised Flagg’s competitive spirit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his aggressive play as the season progresses.
As Flagg prepares for his 18th birthday, he continues to focus on his game, knowing that this new chapter will bring both opportunities and challenges. His family is also deeply involved in his journey, with his parents supporting him as they balance their own commitments.
Unnamed NBA Executive Compares Duke Star Cooper Flagg to Andrei Kirilenko
Flagg’s performance so far has people comparing him to certain NBA players, both past and present. For one NBA executive, though, the Blue Devils star is playing like Kirilenko. This is detailed more in an article published by ESPN.
“Two years ago, the shot blocking made me think of Kirilenko. Now that I’ve watched him more under the microscope, no way,” one Western Conference executive said. “[Flagg] is comfortable initiating offense when he needs to. Kirilenko didn’t have that. [Also], he has all the tools to be a great defender, but who is a great 6-9, 215-pound, great defensive forward right now at the NBA level? Is Flagg destined to be on All-Defensive teams?”
Along with the unnamed NBA executive, several scouts are also drawing comparisons between Flagg and Kirilenko, highlighting the former’s impressive defensive capabilities and versatility. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, combined with his size and skill set, sets him apart as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.
While Kirilenko was known for his shot-blocking and all-around play, Flagg is showing signs of developing a similar all-encompassing game. In conclusion, these comparisons reflect his potential to become a significant player in the league, much like Kirilenko in his prime.
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