Cooper Flagg from Duke University has amazed college basketball fans with his outstanding performances since the start of his freshman year in 2024-25. Standing at 6’9″ and 205 pounds, he has displayed a well-rounded skill set that has guided the Blue Devils to their first Final Four since 2022. His impressive numbers include averages of 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
In this article, we will explore the NBA players whose skills and playing styles resemble Flagg’s, providing insights into the potential trajectory of his basketball career.
1. Scottie Pippen
Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions, read passing lanes, and serve as a secondary playmaker draws immediate comparisons to the legendary Scottie Pippen. ESPN’s Seth Greenberg pointed out Flagg has the size, smarts, and instincts to emulate Pippen’s two-way dominance. His leadership on defense and comfort in handling the ball in transition mirrors what Pippen brought to the Chicago Bulls dynasty.
Pippen wasn’t just a defender but a cerebral player who improved others. Flagg’s feel for the game, willingness to pass, and comfort in orchestrating the offense from the wing suggest a similar impact. He doesn’t just stop scorers; he changes the game’s rhythm, much like Pippen in his prime.
2. Jayson Tatum
Regarding offensive upside, Flagg has drawn frequent comparisons to Jayson Tatum. Both forwards utilize size and fluid athleticism to score from all three levels. Flagg has publicly cited Tatum as a player he studies, particularly admiring his ability to vary pace and use his body to get to his spots on the floor.
Like Tatum, Flagg is evolving into a polished shot creator. His ability to drive, pull up, and even hit step-back jumpers suggests a scoring ceiling that could make him a go-to option in the NBA. He’s not just an athlete—he’s a student of offensive craft, and that puts him in the same developmental lane as Boston’s All-Star wing.
3. Kevin Garnett
Some scouts, including Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, have thrown out a bold but exciting comparison: Kevin Garnett. Like KG, Flagg combines power forward size with guard-like ball-handling and passing ability. His willingness to battle inside while facilitating from the perimeter gives him that rare hybrid potential.
Garnett was famous for his unmatched motor and fiery competitiveness—qualities that Flagg also shows flashes of. His hustle, rebounding, and vocal presence on the floor hint that he could anchor a defense while still being a primary offensive cog. If his intensity continues to build, the KG comp may not be far-fetched.
4. Grant Hill
Grant Hill was one of the most complete players of his era, and Cooper Flagg exhibits a similar do-it-all potential. Greenberg again cited Hill when describing Flagg’s game, pointing to his court vision, smooth pace, and leadership qualities. Hill could rebound, run the offense, and defend as Flagg does at Duke.
Flagg’s composure and maturity stand out for someone his age, reminiscent of Hill’s poise coming out of Duke. He doesn’t force the game; he controls it. This comparison highlights the type of team-first star Flagg could become: someone who elevates those around him while quietly stuffing the stat sheet.
5. Kawhi Leonard
While still early in his career, Flagg’s blend of size, strength, and basketball IQ has reminded some of Kawhi Leonard. A Western Conference GM noted the similarity in their approach: both are efficient, low-key players who impact games with quiet dominance. Flagg’s ability to defend wings and switch onto guards while staying fundamentally sound is Leonard-esque.
Offensively, Flagg isn’t the brute force that Leonard is yet, but the seeds are there—especially in his mid-range game and patience in isolation. This comp could be prophetic if he develops a similar killer instinct in crunch time. Flagg may not talk much like Leonard, but his game speaks volumes.
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Cooper Flagg’s versatile skill set echoes NBA greats like Pippen, Tatum, Garnett, Hill, and Leonard, signaling a bright future as a dynamic, impactful pro ready to elevate any team.
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