Cooper Flagg: The Rise of a Future NBA Star

Cooper Flagg, a name that has recently taken the basketball world by storm, is proving to be more than just a 17-year-old high school standout. At such a young age, he is already making waves, not just in the amateur circuit, but also among NBA veterans and top-tier athletes. His invitation to play for Team USA Select and subsequent dominance over established NBA stars has set the stage for a meteoric rise to the top of basketball, making him a top contender for the 2025 NBA Draft’s number one pick.

A Rising Star on Team USA Select

It’s a remarkable feat for any teenager to be invited to play for Team USA Select, a squad of young players brought together to challenge the Olympic team. However, what sets Flagg apart isn’t just his invitation but how he handled the moment. Going up against elite NBA players like Drew Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, Flagg didn’t just survive—he thrived. He had all-defense players guarding him, and yet he showcased his full offensive arsenal. His turnaround jumper over Holiday and a powerful and-one dunk over Adebayo were nothing short of impressive.

But the defining moment came when Flagg, standing at 6’9″, was bringing the ball up the court, being guarded by Holiday. With a quick, nasty handle, Flagg got a switch and coolly drained a step-back three-pointer over Anthony Davis, showing off his range and confidence. In one play, he displayed elite-level skills against some of the best defenders in the game.

What makes these performances even more significant is not just that he did them in scrimmages with NBA stars, but how the NBA world reacted. LeBron James personally gave him props after the game, a significant gesture given that LeBron doesn’t often heap praise on young players. This moment carried echoes of a similar event when Flagg first met LeBron as a 16-year-old. Back then, people were unsure if Cooper was the real deal, but after his recent showing, there’s little doubt left.

The Journey to Number One

Just a year ago, Cooper Flagg was ranked behind Cameron Boozer as the number two high school prospect. However, his performance at the Peach Jam—a top amateur basketball tournament—solidified his status. After dominating Boozer in the tournament, Flagg rocketed to the number one spot. Following his rise to the top of the rankings, Flagg chose to commit to Duke University over UConn, setting the stage for what could be a career path similar to that of Zion Williamson, another Duke standout who dominated college basketball before going number one overall in the NBA draft.

Interestingly, Flagg’s journey wasn’t straightforward. He initially dreamed of playing at the University of Maine, his home state. However, recognizing that he needed to leave his home state to pursue his basketball dreams, he transferred to Montverde Academy, a prestigious school known for developing NBA talents like Joel Embiid. The move paid off as Flagg continued to excel and solidify himself as the top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Mentality that Sets Him Apart

What truly separates Cooper Flagg from the average high school star is his mentality. Beyond his physical gifts and basketball skill set, NBA players and coaches have lauded Flagg for his competitive fire. Devin Booker praised him for his hunger, while Jalen Duren remarked that Flagg has “no fear” when going up against NBA players. Trace Jackson Davis also noted that Flagg has a competitive edge, which is crucial for long-term success in the NBA.

It’s this mental toughness that separates good players from great ones. Having talent is one thing, but possessing the drive and competitive nature of legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan is another. Players like Markelle Fultz, Deandre Ayton, and Ben Simmons came into the league with talent but lacked the mental edge needed to excel at the highest level. Flagg’s competitive fire, coupled with his immense talent, has drawn comparisons to the mentality of basketball icons, and it’s this mindset that has NBA legends like LeBron James saying that Flagg “has it.”

The Race to Draft Cooper Flagg

With the 2025 NBA Draft looming, every team is already eyeing Flagg as the crown jewel of the class. His status as the clear number one pick means that teams will undoubtedly position themselves to secure him. But which team will land Flagg? The answer lies in the unpredictable nature of the NBA Draft Lottery.

While tanking, the practice of losing games intentionally to improve draft positioning, has long been a controversial strategy in the NBA, many teams might still consider it with a player like Flagg on the horizon. Teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets might look to tank next season to improve their lottery odds. In a league where landing a top prospect can change the future of a franchise, securing Flagg could be worth the risk.

However, the NBA’s current lottery system, which gives the bottom three teams an equal 14% chance at the number one pick, has made tanking less reliable. In recent years, teams with the worst records haven’t always landed the top picks. For example, the Detroit Pistons, despite being one of the worst teams in the league for three consecutive years, ended up with the fifth pick each time.

Even if a team tanks, they’ll need a bit of luck to land Flagg. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a prime example of the unpredictability of the lottery. In 2021, they fell from a potential fourth pick to the sixth, but in 2022, they moved up to the second pick despite having lower odds, which netted them Chet Holmgren. It’s this uncertainty that makes predicting Flagg’s eventual NBA home so difficult.

Conclusion: The Future of Cooper Flagg

In a basketball world filled with hype, few players live up to the billing. However, Cooper Flagg appears to be the exception. His mix of talent, skill, and mentality has already earned him praise from some of the biggest names in the sport. Whether it’s his dominance over NBA players at just 17 or the way he carries himself on the court, it’s clear that Flagg is a rare prospect.

As he prepares to play for Duke University and continues his development, the basketball world will be watching closely. With the 2025 NBA Draft still over a year away, teams will be jockeying for position to secure the future star. One thing is for certain: whichever team lands Cooper Flagg will be getting a player destined to make a significant impact in the league for years to come.