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Cooper Flagg Sends Clear Response on Copying NBA Players At NBA Draft Combine

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Ettinger | Last updated May 12, 2025 8:33 PM ET

Even with the 2025 NBA playoffs in full swing, Cooper Flagg is the center of attention of the basketball world on Monday night.

Flagg is one of the participants in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, and he is also the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. After a tantalizing freshman season at Duke University, Flagg is preparing for life in the NBA.

While the draft set for June 25, Flagg will almost assuredly know his destination after Monday night's NBA Draft Lottery. The Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards possessed the highest odds to land the No. 1 pick (14%) at the start of the night, however the Dallas Mavericks won the Draft Lottery.

Ahead of the Draft Lottery, Flagg was run through a gauntlet of interviews at the Draft Combine. Flagg sat down with former Phoenix Suns general manager, Ryan McDonough and former NBA player, Robbie Hummel on SiriusXM NBA Radio. McDonough and Hummel asked Flagg what NBA players he emulates or tries to model his game after.

Flagg sent a clear response, letting the world know exactly how he searches for his style of play on a basketball court.

“I wouldn’t say I model my game after anyone…I’m trying to be myself”

Cooper Flagg was asked by Ryan McDonough and @RobbieHummel if he tries to emulate any current NBA players at our NBA Draft Combine coverage pic.twitter.com/vXRZX70r7c
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 12, 2025

"I wouldn't really say I model my game after anybody. I don't know who people want to compare me to. I love watching all basketball, but it's not like I'm watching film on a player. I'm trying to be myself and play pretty free to what I believe I can do," Flagg responded.

Last season, the 18-year-old phenom led Duke to the Final Four before losing a close game to the University of Houston. Duke's star forward was named the Associated Press men's college basketball national Player of the Year after he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

With the NBA Draft Lottery now complete, Flagg's next destination will almost certainly be Dallas, as the Dallas Mavericks won the Draft Lottery despite having just a 1.8% chance of winning the No. 1 overall pick.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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