Wizards? Jazz? Pelicans? Cooper Flagg’s Development Could Hinge on Landing Spot, Execs Say

Several NBA executives have pointed out to ESPN that Duke star Cooper Flagg’s development could be highly dependent on which team drafts him — perhaps more so than most top prospects.Cooper Flagg, Duke, NBA Draft

For a lottery team in need of a long-term No. 1 scorer, like the Washington Wizards or Utah Jazz, Flagg could be leaned on to carry their offenses early in his career, wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Woo.

But in situations like New Orleans, Charlotte, or Toronto, where there are established offensive players, Flagg might not be asked to shoulder such a heavy load right away, Woo added.

Instead, he could be allowed to focus on his elite defensive abilities, maximizing his impact on that side of the ball.

As Woo noted, what makes Flagg particularly intriguing is his versatility. He has the kind of malleability that allows him to fit into nearly any system, a trait that many NBA execs believe will make him a highly successful player at the next level.

“I fully trust in him to maximize every tool he’s got,” one Eastern Conference scout told ESPN, expressing confidence in Flagg’s potential.

ESPN’s Bobby marks noted that a year ago, he saw Flagg play in the City of Palms Classic for Montverde Academy (Florida). Even at just 16 years old, he resembled a young Kevin Garnett , Marks wrote — writing that Flagg’s length, ability to defend, and overall skill set were all eerily similar to the Hall of Famer’s.

Marks’ opinion hasn’t changed after watching Flagg with the Blue Devils.

As for where Flagg might fit, Marks noted that the teams currently holding the top picks in the draft — Washington, Utah, and New Orleans — all rank among the worst in defensive efficiency.

If Flagg ends up with one of these franchises, he could be the defensive anchor they desperately need, making him a potentially game-changing player in the right situation.

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