Following a year in which the NBA Draft class was widely criticized for lacking standout talent, the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike. This year’s class is headlined by Duke University’s Cooper Flagg, a forward whose name has been at the top of draft boards since the beginning of the college basketball season. In a year brimming with exciting young players, Flagg has stood out as the undisputed favorite to go first overall.
Flagg’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. From the moment he stepped onto the court in his freshman season, he has consistently demonstrated that he possesses the skill, intelligence, and physical attributes to become a franchise cornerstone. Standing at 6-foot-9, the athletic and versatile forward has shown the potential to become a star on both ends of the floor. His ability to impact the game offensively and defensively makes him one of the most well-rounded prospects in recent memory. He’s not just talented—he’s poised, mature, and has a presence that extends beyond his age and experience.
As is tradition during the lead-up to the NBA Draft, experts and fans alike enjoy comparing incoming prospects to current or former NBA players. These comparisons help contextualize a player’s game and provide a projection for their potential. In Flagg’s case, the comparisons have been lofty, which speaks volumes about how highly regarded he is among evaluators.
NBA insider Shams Charania recently addressed the buzz surrounding Flagg in an interview with Front Office Sports. When asked about the top prospect and who he reminded him of in the current NBA landscape, Charania drew a powerful parallel. He likened Flagg to Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, a former number one overall pick and an eight-time All-Star known for his dominance on both ends of the court.
Charania elaborated on the comparison by highlighting Flagg’s all-around polish and professional demeanor. “He reminds me a lot, when I think about prospects, of Anthony Davis — someone you can be sure what they bring to the table and how solid he is overall on the court, off the court, his presence on both ends of the floor, his focus and determination. A lot of those qualities were pretty polished with AD coming in. When I talk to teams, AD is definitely a guy that comes up,” Charania explained.
This comparison isn’t just about raw skill—it’s about the total package. Davis, when he entered the league, was heralded not only for his defensive dominance but also for his steady development into a reliable offensive threat. Likewise, Flagg possesses a calm confidence and work ethic that resonates with front offices. He’s coachable, dependable, and focused—qualities that are often just as important as talent when it comes to thriving at the professional level.
While there are similarities between Flagg and Davis, it’s important to acknowledge their differences as well. Davis has frequently played center throughout his NBA career, taking on larger post players and acting as a rim protector. Flagg, on the other hand, projects more naturally as a power forward in today’s NBA. While he’s capable of stepping into a small-ball center role if necessary, that’s not likely to be his primary position. His game thrives on agility, spacing, and high basketball IQ—making him more suited to exploit mismatches on the perimeter and in transition.
What makes Flagg even more intriguing as a prospect is how he performed during his one year at Duke. He put up impressive numbers that confirmed his status as the likely number one overall pick. Averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, Flagg didn’t just fill the stat sheet—he led, competed, and elevated his team. Much like Davis during his dominant season at Kentucky, Flagg used college basketball as a proving ground to show that he belongs among the elite.
NBA teams looking toward the draft are well aware of Flagg’s potential to alter the trajectory of their franchise. Every team at the top of the draft lottery is likely dreaming of what their future could look like with him in their lineup. His game fits the mold of the modern NBA: he’s a versatile forward who can switch defensively, stretch the floor, and initiate offense. Players with his blend of size, mobility, and basketball acumen are rare and highly sought after.
Flagg’s athletic profile and intangibles make him an ideal candidate to build around. Teams that prioritize two-way versatility and modern, positionless basketball will see in Flagg a player who not only meets expectations but might exceed them. His impact could be immediate, and his ceiling suggests the potential for long-term greatness.
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 NBA Draft continues to build, and all eyes are now on the upcoming draft lottery. Scheduled for Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. ET, the event will determine which team will be lucky enough to secure the first overall pick—and, by extension, the rights to draft Cooper Flagg. For franchises in need of a foundational piece, winning the lottery could be the first step toward building a championship contender.
As the date approaches, fans and analysts are speculating about which team will have the opportunity to add a player of Flagg’s caliber to their roster. Regardless of where he lands, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg has the potential to become a game-changer in the NBA, following in the footsteps of other elite prospects like Anthony Davis. And if he continues on his current trajectory, he may not only meet those lofty comparisons—he might set a new standard altogether.
