As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, discussions are heating up about potential Rookie of the Year candidates, with one NBA general manager predicting a surprising frontrunner over highly touted prospect Cooper Flagg. This insight highlights the competitive landscape of the upcoming draft class and the expectations surrounding Flagg’s transition to the professional level.
Flagg has solidified his position as the frontrunner for the 2025 NBA Draft, thanks to his exceptional skills and remarkable performances at Duke. His combination of athleticism, offensive talent, and defensive prowess has captured the attention of scouts across the league. As the most talked-about player in college basketball, Flagg’s hype is expected to grow as the tournament approaches.
However, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper could potentially challenge Flagg for the coveted top pick. According to NCAA analyst Rob Dauster, Harper’s youth may work in his favor as he develops further. Born in March 2006, he will turn 19 during the NCAA tournament, while Flagg remains just weeks shy of his 18th birthday. This age difference is significant, as players often undergo substantial growth during their late teenage years.
Harper’s skill set includes a strong scoring ability and high basketball IQ, which make him a formidable prospect. His potential to improve and adapt could allow him to close the gap between himself and Flagg as the draft approaches. While Flagg currently holds the spotlight, the dynamic nature of player development means that Harper is just beginning to tap into his full potential.
Despite the presence of other talented freshmen like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe, Dauster believes that the race for the top pick will primarily be between Flagg and Harper. Both players showcase elite skills that set them apart from their peers, making them the focal points of this draft class.
Unnamed NBA General Manager Predicts Dylan Harper Will Win Rookie of the Year, Not Cooper Flagg
According to an NBA general manager, there’s a bigger chance Harper can win Rookie of the Year next season than Flagg. This is detailed in an article posted on ESPN’s official website.
One general manager envisioned a scenario in which a team in need of backcourt help could view Harper’s offensive prowess as a selling point.
“[Flagg] is in the driver’s seat and will be for a long time, but I think Dylan Harper will be the rookie of the year,” one general manager said. “He may not be better 10 years from now, but I think he’s the most ready. If you have a lot of wings or younger bigs already on the roster, just take him. [Harper] is the only guy that could threaten him.
“But again, I’d take Cooper at the end of the day, because if all the stars align, it’s not close.”
One NBA general manager predicted that while Flagg is the top prospect, the Rutgers star could emerge as the Rookie of the Year due to his immediate offensive impact. Harper’s readiness for the NBA makes him an appealing choice for teams needing backcourt support, even if he may not surpass Flagg’s potential in the long run.
Ultimately, the general manager emphasized that Flagg remains the stronger overall choice, suggesting that if circumstances align, his talent will far exceed that of his peers. This dynamic highlights the intrigue surrounding both players as the draft approaches.
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