The 2025 NBA Draft is already shaping up to be a highly anticipated event, with many eyes on Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly regarded prospects in recent memory. Flagg, a 6’8” forward with an extraordinary skill set, has been touted as a future star ever since he made waves in high school basketball. With his combination of length, athleticism, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess, many consider him a potential number one overall pick. However, in his much-anticipated Duke debut, Flagg’s performance didn’t quite live up to the sky-high expectations that have surrounded him for years.
While it’s important to remember that one game does not define a player’s entire career especially one as talented as Flagg his debut for the Blue Devils nonetheless raised some questions and left many wondering if he had truly lived up to the hype.
Early Impressions: A Promising Start, but Limited Impact
Cooper Flagg’s debut at Duke was filled with flashes of his immense potential, but also moments where he seemed far from the polished player many have come to expect. While he scored in double digits, his overall impact was not as pronounced as many had anticipated. The game felt somewhat pedestrian by Flagg’s usual standards.
On the defensive end, Flagg showed why he’s often regarded as one of the best defenders in his class. His ability to cover ground, contest shots, and guard multiple positions was evident throughout the game. However, his offensive game appeared a bit more muted. He struggled with consistency, especially from beyond the arc, and didn’t quite dominate in transition as many expected him to.
One of Flagg’s trademarks is his ability to affect the game without necessarily needing to score a lot of points. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and vision are all areas where he can contribute without the ball in his hands. Yet, on this particular night, his contributions in those departments felt less impactful than usual. He seemed hesitant at times, and there were instances where his decision-making on offense was a bit off, leading to turnovers or missed opportunities.
Areas of Concern
It’s important to contextualize that every player has their off nights, particularly in the pressure-cooker environment of a high-profile college program like Duke. That said, there are certain aspects of Flagg’s debut that raised concerns. For one, his jump shot remains a work in progress. While Flagg has the tools to become a better shooter, he wasn’t hitting at a high clip in this game, and that’s something scouts will undoubtedly continue to monitor as the season progresses.
Additionally, while his defense is elite, his offensive versatility an area that NBA teams are scrutinizing more than ever was not fully on display. Flagg didn’t take over the game in the way some might have expected from a player with his pedigree. His ball-handling also looked shaky at times, especially when tasked with creating offense for himself or his teammates. Against tougher competition in the ACC and beyond, those weaknesses could be exposed further.
Conclusion: A Long Season Ahead
All things considered, Cooper Flagg’s Duke debut may not have been the electrifying performance many were hoping for, but it doesn’t diminish his immense upside. A single game, particularly early in the season, is not enough to make sweeping judgments about a player of his caliber. Flagg’s raw talent, physical attributes, and basketball instincts remain elite, and there is no question he will continue to develop and refine his game.
The key moving forward will be how Flagg responds to this underwhelming start. Will he come back stronger and more consistent, showing the world the kind of player he can be when firing on all cylinders? Or will the struggles from his debut carry over into the rest of the season?
For now, it’s too early to draw any major conclusions. What we do know is that Cooper Flagg remains one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his journey at Duke with its inevitable ups and downs will be one to watch closely as the season unfolds.