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'Total package': NBA analyst praises Cooper Flagg amid draft news
On Monday morning, Cooper Flagg took to social media to share an update on his basketball journey. Despite tossing around the idea of returning to Duke, he will enter the 2025 NBA Draft.
From the start of the collegiate basketball season, Flagg has been the consensus No. 1 pick. Standing at 6-foot-9 with the ability to impact just about every facet of the game, he has the potential to develop into a superstar talent at the NBA level.
Following Flagg's announcement on Instagram, longtime NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith applauded Flagg's all-around skill set as he gets ready to make the jump to the pros.
"This brother is the total package," Smith said on ESPN's "First Take." "And he is going to be the No. 1 overall pick in this upcoming NBA Draft. It is no secret what he was going to do because there's no reason for him not to. He's that dude."
While his season didn't end with a national championship, Flagg was dominant during his time at Duke. He filled the box score on a nightly basis, averaging 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.4 SPG and 1.4 BPG. Additionally, the Blue Devils' star shot 38.5% from beyond the arc.
Flagg looks to become the sixth player in Duke history to be taken No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft. The last Blue Devil to emerge as a clear top pick was Zion Williamson in 2019.
Although Williamson is a multi-time All-Star and one-of-a-kind talent, injuries have drastically impacted his ability to be a cornerstone for the New Orleans Pelicans. Flagg hopes to avoid a similar fate.
With Flagg's decision official, lottery teams can breathe a sigh of relief. On May 12, one team will hope they're lucky enough to receive the draft's No. 1 pick.
In theory, 14 teams have the chance to draft Flagg. However, the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets have the best lottery odds.
More must-reads:
- Duke star Cooper Flagg entering 2025 NBA Draft
- Cooper Flagg and the can't-miss NBA prospects who missed
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
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