Cooper Flagg is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and top prospects in basketball today. After high school, despite receiving a significant Division 1 offer, Flagg chose to attend Duke University. Before even playing in the NBA, he was already familiar to NBA players through his impressive performance with the US Select Team during the 2024 Olympic practices. His college career was outstanding, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg excelled on both offense and defense, making his transition to the NBA highly anticipated.
However, following Bronny James’ debut Summer League game with the Los Angeles Lakers, analysts pinpointed specific areas for Flagg to improve. In his game against the Lakers, Flagg scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, and made three steals. Although his effort earned praise from Kyrie Irving, Flagg was disappointed with his own performance, shooting just 5-21 from the field and missing all three-point attempts. Former NBA player Tim Legler critically analyzed Flagg’s game on various podcasts, highlighting his flawed shooting technique and the need to stop “turning his wrists.” Legler emphasized that while Flagg is young, being a number one pick among potential Hall of Famers demands rapid improvement, or he risks becoming a mediocre shooter despite his scoring ability.
Despite the one-game snapshot, Legler’s critique is a valuable point for Flagg to address. His three-point shooting percentage was 38.5% in the NCAA Tournament—solid but still challenged by the NBA’s extended three-point line. Given Flagg’s tight defensive pressure and limited open shots, maximizing shooting efficiency is essential. If he continues with poor form, his overall efficiency may suffer. Fortunately, Flagg is teammates with Klay Thompson, known as one of the best shooters in the league, who can offer guidance both as a player and mentor.
Although Flagg occasionally struggles with shooting efficiency, he benefits from skilled teammates, a fact even LeBron James has highlighted. Thompson’s exceptional shooting form is a valuable resource for Flagg’s development. If Flagg remains open to learning and adapts his game accordingly, he is positioned to become one of the NBA’s premier players in the near future.
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Fan Take: This update on Cooper Flagg is hugely significant for basketball fans because it highlights the challenge of transitioning college talent to the NBA’s tougher standards, especially in shooting. Flagg’s potential, combined with mentorship from elite shooters like Klay Thompson, could transform him into a leading star, promising exciting growth and impact on the sport.
