Cooper Flagg, anticipated to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is leading Duke into the Final Four against Houston on Saturday. His outstanding performance naturally raises the question: Which NBA players, both past and present, best mirror his abilities?

Insights were gathered from NBA executives and scouts, resulting in five player comparisons for Flagg. These are based on his evolving offensive skills, versatility, and defensive capabilities.

Player comparisons are a common, albeit sometimes contentious, element in scouting discussions. While not perfect, they offer a useful framework for setting expectations and imagining how a player might develop and fit into different roles.

One executive from the Western Conference mentioned, “I need to know the floor. If we`re considering drafting this player, give me a comparison to someone who has succeeded in the league.”

He elaborated, “It strengthens the argument for why he`s an NBA-caliber player. You can give me a combination of two players, or even someone from a previous era. It`s easier to advocate for a player when you can say, `This guy reminds me of that guy.`”

Flagg`s standout season as a first-team All-American makes him a unique case study, as top prospects often possess distinctive qualities that set them apart. Their diverse skill sets often evoke comparisons to multiple players simultaneously.

Here are five NBA players that scouts are considering as they evaluate Flagg. These comparisons aim to illustrate the range of potential outcomes and highlight his strengths on both ends of the court.

Explore Flagg Comparisons:
Jayson Tatum | Kawhi Leonard
Lamar Odom | Scottie Pippen | Andrei Kirilenko

Ceiling Comparison: Kawhi Leonard

Bio: Small Forward; 6-foot-7; 227 pounds

Drafted: No. 15 overall in 2011 by the Indiana Pacers (traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night)

NBA front office perspective: “Flagg is defensively exceptional and can immediately impact the game on that end with his size, effort, and basketball IQ. He`s consistently been a strong defender, and his offense is developing. It`s a trajectory similar to Kawhi`s early NBA career, where he had many valuable attributes and then emerged as a dominant two-way player as his overall game matured,” shared a scout from the Western Conference.

Similarities: If Flagg could develop into what Leonard became in the NBA—a potent perimeter scorer and a top defender—it would be an ideal outcome.

Stylistically, they share similarities. Offensively, neither is known for flashy ball-handling, but both rely on balance and footwork in the midrange, create plays for teammates, and prefer attacking the basket over settling for three-pointers. Leonard evolved into a primary option in the NBA. The key question for Flagg is whether he can reach that scoring level.

Defensively, both utilize their size and instincts to disrupt opponents and offensive flows. Flagg, at 6-foot-9, is a more prominent shot blocker, often used by Duke as a help defender. Leonard`s strength and large hands made him a premier wing defender. This comparison suggests Flagg`s impact on winning, combined with offensive growth, could lead him to franchise-player status, much like Leonard.

Differences: Leonard`s development was exceptional. Starting as a raw power forward at San Diego State, he became a two-way star and Finals MVP with the Spurs, later evolving into a more offense-focused player. His achievements and unique growth make him a challenging comparison.

However, Flagg is ahead of Leonard offensively at the same stage and at a younger age. While development is unpredictable, this is promising for Flagg’s scoring potential. His freshman stats indicate he is on a faster track than Leonard, who entered the draft as a 20-year-old sophomore.

Leonard is physically stronger with a 7-3 wingspan, while Flagg is taller and leaner, with a 6-11 wingspan. Flagg might offer more defensive scheme versatility, guarding larger forwards, but may not become the wing defender Leonard was at his peak.

Statistical Comparison: Their college stats highlight Flagg’s advancement compared to Leonard’s sophomore year in 2011.

Flagg`s efficiency (60% TS), playmaking (5.6 assists per-40), and three-point shooting (37% vs. Leonard`s 27%) are significantly ahead, indicating his polish. Leonard`s rebounding is higher, and steals are comparable, but he wasn`t the scorer or playmaker Flagg is at this stage. This suggests optimism for Flagg`s offensive development.

Floor Comparison: Lamar Odom

Bio: Power Forward; 6-10; 220 pounds

Drafted: No. 4 overall in 1999 by the LA Clippers

NBA front office perspective: “His ease and comfort handling the ball on the perimeter—we discuss whether players are inside-out or outside-in developers. Flagg is so comfortable on the perimeter. Odom was a late bloomer with guard skills at 6-10. You value a player who at 6-10 can handle the ball like a 6-3 guard,” said a Western Conference executive.

Similarities: Comparing Flagg to Odom, a two-time NBA champion and Sixth Man of the Year, as a floor highlights Flagg`s versatility. Even if Flagg`s scoring plateaus, his point-forward abilities, playmaking, and lineup flexibility are valuable.

Odom often acted as a primary ball-handler in the NBA and played point guard effectively at Rhode Island. His career flourished after joining the Heat, then the Lakers in the Shaq trade in 2004. With the Lakers, Odom`s versatility on offense and defense was crucial to their 2009 and 2010 championships.

While expectations for Flagg are higher, envisioning him as a point forward who is also defensively impactful highlights his potential.

Differences: Flagg`s development is on pace to exceed Odom`s NBA production. Odom was a standout at Rhode Island, but Flagg`s impact on a title contender is different. Odom`s off-court issues hindered him from reaching his full potential. Executives have no such concerns about Flagg.

Statistical Comparison: Odom averaged 17.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per-40 at Rhode Island, shooting 53% on 2s, 33% on 3s, and 68.7% from the line. (Pace-adjusted stats from that era are unavailable).

Flagg’s current season surpasses Odom in every statistical category, suggesting this comparison might be conservative. However, Odom`s all-around game provides context for this comparison.

Prime Comparison: Jayson Tatum

Bio: Small Forward; 6-8; 210 pounds

Drafted: No. 3 overall in 2017 by the Boston Celtics

NBA front office perspective: “Both at Duke showed great promise for multiple paths to success. Flagg recently, even with poor shooting nights like against Alabama, was still highly impactful to winning. Concerns about their shooting proved unfounded. Both possess an uncommon offensive feel for their size and usage,” noted a second Western Conference executive.

Similarities: Tatum, also a one-and-done from Duke, became an NBA star in his mid-20s, leading a championship team in 2024. A gifted high school scorer, Tatum developed from a midrange player to a versatile offensive threat.

Flagg and Tatum are similar physically, with Flagg slightly taller and both having 6-11 wingspans. Both were initially rigid jump shooters, especially from three-point range.

Tatum`s balanced, high-usage offense with the Celtics shows Flagg’s potential role, especially if his team emphasizes his usage. Tatum has succeeded without elite three-point shooting, averaging mid-to-high 30s percentages on high volume. He has also improved his passing, reaching a career-high 5.9 assists per game this season.

Differences: Stylistically, they differed as college freshmen. Tatum`s weaknesses were shot selection and limited passing, which he improved over time. Flagg is a better playmaker, doubling Tatum’s assists at Duke, and passing is central to his NBA value. Flagg`s shot selection is more team-oriented, but Tatum was more polished in creating his own shot.

Flagg enters the NBA as a more impactful defender than Tatum, who has improved defensively with the Celtics but wasn`t known for defense as a prospect. Flagg is expected to be defensively impactful immediately and long-term.

Statistical Comparison: Stats show Flagg`s exceptional performance at his age, comparing favorably to Tatum’s college numbers.

His superior passing (5.6 assists per 40 vs. Tatum`s 2.6) and advanced stats (+37.3 net rating, +14.5 BPM) highlight his defensive impact on a successful Duke team. Tatum was close in efficiency (57.3% TS vs. Flagg’s 60%).

Second-Star Comparison: Scottie Pippen

Bio: Small Forward; 6-8; 228 pounds

Drafted: No. 5 overall in 1987 by the Seattle SuperSonics (traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night)

NBA front office perspective: “I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1, and was after MJ left, but became the best No. 2. Cooper will be a great No. 2, but may need a top 10 running mate. He might prove me wrong, but I don`t see him as a No. 1 on a championship team,” said an Eastern Conference GM.

Similarities: This comparison suggests Flagg might excel as a second option alongside a high-scoring star. Pippen, considered the best “second star,” paired with Michael Jordan to win six titles with the Bulls. This emphasizes Flagg`s all-around impact, even if he doesn`t become a top scorer.

Pippen was never a top scorer, thriving in a versatile role next to Jordan, focusing energy on defense. Flagg`s offensive skills might be best utilized similarly, with his passing and ball-handling making him a point-forward hybrid.

Differences: Pippen was more athletic, using physicality in transition, leveraging strength and length. Flagg’s frame is still developing, and he doesn`t play with the same force.

Flagg`s perimeter skills are more advanced than Pippen`s, who was a late bloomer. Flagg`s better shooting suggests he might exceed Pippen offensively, though it doesn’t guarantee No. 1 scorer status.

Statistical Comparison: While era differences make direct stats comparisons less significant, the Pippen comparison captures Flagg`s all-around impact.

Pippen averaged 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.1 steals as a 21-year-old senior in 1986-87, showing all-around impact at a lower level. He took a few NBA seasons to fully emerge.

Wildcard Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko

Bio: Small Forward; 6-9; 220 pounds

Drafted: No. 24 overall in 1999 by the Utah Jazz

NBA front office perspective: “Kirilenko led the NBA in blocks! I don`t see Flagg doing that. Kirilenko conserved energy for defense because he was an offensive role player. Kirilenko`s three blocks per game as a non-center was incredible, especially then. But Flagg projects to be much more significant offensively,” said a Western Conference executive.

Similarities: This comparison was common for Flagg before the season. Flagg`s defensive mindset led many to invoke Kirilenko, a 2004 All-Star known for defense. Kirilenko led the league in blocks (3.3 per game) in 2004-05.

Flagg’s defensive playmaking and instincts drive this comparison.

Differences: This comparison is less apt now. Kirilenko was far behind Flagg offensively at a similar stage. Kirilenko peaked at 16.5 points per game, was not a prolific shooter or versatile scorer, nor a primary offensive initiator. Flagg’s offensive skill set is much higher, especially his passing.

Also, Kirilenko had a 7-foot-4 wingspan, aiding his shot blocking.

Statistical Comparison: Kirilenko’s rookie season (2001-02) saw him finish third in ROY voting, with 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.9 blocks, and 55.3% true shooting in 26 minutes. He rarely shot 3s and made 48% of 2-point attempts.

Assuming health, Flagg is expected to surpass these offensive numbers, with more minutes and possessions. His block numbers might not reach Kirilenko`s level, but his overall impact should be significant.