Cooper Flagg could also be probably the most thrilling prospects in current reminiscence, however even the doubtless No. 1 general choose within the 2025 NBA Draft is aware of there’s room to develop.
Talking on the NBA Draft Mix in Chicago, the Duke freshman was requested which NBA star’s signature ability he would select so as to add to his personal recreation. His reply? With out hesitation, Steph Curry’s unmatched taking pictures capability.
“I would take Steph’s taking pictures,” Flagg mentioned, acknowledging the impression that type of offensive firepower would have on his already well-rounded recreation.
Curry, in fact, wants no introduction. The Golden State Warriors icon has revolutionized trendy basketball together with his vary, contact, and fast launch. He is the NBA‘s all-time chief in three-pointers made and the one participant in historical past to surpass 4,000 profession threes-making him the gold commonplace for taking pictures.
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For Flagg, who enters the league as a 6-foot-9 ahead with elite defensive instincts and playmaking potential, constant long-range taking pictures might be the ultimate piece of his NBA-ready profile.
Why Flagg’s admiration for Curry’s taking pictures is sensible
Earlier than arriving at Duke, some scouts questioned whether or not Flagg may stretch the ground effectively on the subsequent degree.
He answered these doubts with a powerful freshman marketing campaign, averaging 19.2 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per recreation, whereas pulling down 38.5% of his three-point makes an attempt on 3.6 tries per recreation.
He improved that manufacturing even additional throughout Duke‘s NCAA Event run, averaging 21.0 factors, 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and a pair of.0 blocks per recreation.
Nonetheless, Flagg acknowledges that being an excellent shooter and being Steph Curry are two totally various things. Curry’s distinctive gravity on the court-his capability to stretch defenses to the half-court line-creates alternatives not only for himself, however for his whole group.
If Flagg may replicate even a fraction of that impression, he’d be practically unattainable to protect.
Whereas he would possibly by no means turn into the type of shooter Curry is-few, if any, ever will-Flagg‘s confidence in his continued development is clear. He is a tireless employee, recognized for finding out the sport and placing in further hours within the gymnasium.
If he can push his taking pictures to a different degree, his versatility as a ahead will make him much more precious.
The Dallas Mavericks, who landed the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NBA Draft, are extensively anticipated to pick Flagg. In the event that they do, he’ll be a part of a roster already led by celebrity Luka Doncic, forming a probably dominant one-two punch.
A ahead who can defend, move, rebound, and shoot from deep would match completely alongside Doncic’s ball-dominant fashion.
Flagg‘s want to emulate Curry speaks volumes-not nearly what he needs so as to add to his recreation, however how excessive he units his requirements. In a league more and more pushed by perimeter taking pictures, there is no higher participant to mannequin that a part of your recreation after.
