As the 2025 NBA Draft rolls closer and closer, the experts and analysts are sharing their thoughts on the picks and ranking the players according to their potential and performance in the previous season. Cooper Flagg has been crowned the No. 1 pick by the experts for this year’s draft.
However, many wonder if there is a player who can challenge him for the top spot. As the draft date of May 12, 2025, comes close, here’s our take on Flagg’s case and who can potentially take his place.
Is There Anyone Worthy Of Cooper Flagg’s Position In The NBA Draft 2025?
Flagg, a 6’9″ forward, has been phenomenal at Duke. According to Sports Reference, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game through March 2025, shooting 48% from the field and 36% from three.
His two-way dominance was on full display in a 24-point, 11-rebound performance against North Carolina, where he also swatted four shots. The Ringer’s 2025 NBA Draft Guide calls him “one of the best prospects of the past decade,” giving nods to his defense skills, high basketball IQ, and ability to impact every facet of the game.
At just 18 years old, Flagg is the youngest player in this draft class. His young age and skills are good at his untapped potential, making him a dream pick for teams like the Utah Jazz, who could build around him for the next decade.
Despite Flagg’s dominance, a few prospects are showing some challenge to his spot. Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, ranked No. 2 by Yahoo Sports, is a 6-foot-6 combo guard averaging 18.7 points and 5.3 assists per game.
Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, has drawn comparisons to James Harden for his crafty finishing, as noted in a Yahoo Sports scouting report. However, his inconsistent shooting, 34% from three and 72% from the free-throw line, raises concerns about his ceiling.
Another challenger is French forward Nolan Essengue, a 6-foot-9 athlete who’s been climbing draft boards. The Athletic reports Essengue averaging 12 points and 5.2 rebounds per game since January 2025, with multiple 20-point outings in France’s LNB Pro A league.
At 18, he’s the second-youngest player in the class behind Flagg, and his athleticism and defensive versatility have teams very interested in him. Yet, his raw offensive game makes him a riskier bet for the top spot.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, a 6’5″ guard, also deserves a mention. Tankathon highlights his 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, paired with a 41% 3-point shooting clip. Edgecombe’s athleticism and defensive skills are notable, but his 3.1 turnovers per game suggest he’s not yet ready to leapfrog Flagg.
Why Flagg Remains Untouchable
While Harper, Essengue, and Edgecombe are talented, none match Flagg’s polish and impact.
KEEP READING: 2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote, “There might not be a day that shapes the future of the NBA for the rest of 2025 more than May 12, when the lottery gods smile upon one team that can select Flagg.”
Flagg’s ability to dominate on both ends, combined with his youth and maturity, sets him apart. With no clear competition, Cooper Flagg is locked in as the No. 1 pick in 2025.
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