Even before the 2024-25 NBA season has begun, some are overlooking this year’s incoming rookie class and looking forward to the 2025-26 rookie class, which is expected to include Cooper Flagg.
Flagg is a 6-foot-9 forward who will be a freshman this season with Duke University, and he is expected to declare himself eligible for next year’s draft once he finishes up his first year of NCAA basketball.
Should he do so, he’s widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
NBA star forward Paul George said on his podcast “Podcast P with Paul George” that Flagg has a little of Michael Beasley game in him.
Cooper Flagg is a real special talent 💯
Jared McCain: “He’s elite … the biggest thing that stands out with him is playing hard.”
PG: “He’s kinda got a little like Michael Beasley … I think the world of Cooper Flagg.” pic.twitter.com/7XkqDxHahv
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) August 26, 2024
Beasley was the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft, and although he never quite met the high expectations people had for him, his talent and skill were undeniable.
He was a pure scorer who could get buckets from different areas of the court, and he peaked at 19.2 points a game while with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2010-11 season.
Ultimately, he couldn’t get out of his own way long enough to achieve true stardom.
Flagg is considered a very athletic prospect who can score from all three levels and also has some real defensive ability.
While it’s very early in his basketball career, scouts feel he has a very high ceiling.
George will have a new opportunity of his own this season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that seems to have the talent necessary, at least on paper, to seriously challenge for the NBA championship.
NEXT:
Nick Young Says Fans Are Scared To Admit 1 Star Is Better Than Steph Curry