As we all know, Cooper Flagg is a one-of-a-kind talent, and while he’s been pretty much locked in as the overall number one pick since before he started college, there was a point during the season when it looked like someone might challenge him for that spot. That person, Dylan Harper.
Dylan Harper, a standout freshman at Rutgers, averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his first year. The 6’6 point guard led the Scarlet Knights with an average of 4.3 free throws made, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Dylan Harper vs Cooper Flagg: Who Is the Better prospect?
While Rutgers was unable to make the NCAA tournament, Harper’s production in the regular season was something to behold. Harper’s offensive skills have made outlets tag him as the most NBA-ready player in this year’s draft class, but Flagg, a two-way connective forward, could certainly be more valuable down the line in the NBA.
Such is Harper’s talent that he was ranked the number one player in this class until Flagg reclassified, and while his game is more polished offensively, Flagg is more complete overall and has the higher ceiling.
Flagg started 37 games for Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. He also shot 38.5% from behind the arc and 48.1% from the field. Harper played 29 games for the Scarlet Knights, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field.
A former NBA scout once weighed in on the discussion about the two prospects, and he said,
“With Harper, you have a jumbo-sized on-ball creator. And with Flagg, what’s not to like? He has excellent size, athleticism, and a motor that doesn’t stop. I think both have the potential to be outstanding NBA players. One potential separator for me is if these guys don’t blossom into stars; as one would hope, Flagg possesses more traits that would allow him to be an effective complementary player, whereas Harper needs the ball in his hands more to be effective. So, subsequently, there’s likely more safety in Flagg as a prospect — he probably has a higher floor.”
KEEP READING: Where Does Cooper Flagg Rank Among the Past Decade’s Top Picks?
Harper’s draft measurements were taken, and he stands at 6’4½ barefoot, weighs 213.2 lbs, has a 6’10 ½” wingspan, and has an 8’6″ standing reach. Flagg stands at 6’7.75, weighs 221 lbs, has a 7’0 wingspan, and has an 8’10½ standing reach. Flagg edges Harper with the physicals.
The potential is massive for both players, but Cooper Flagg edges the debate, and the rookie of the year race is definitely going to be a fun one to watch.
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