One of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory has wrapped up his brief but electric college career. Cooper Flagg’s freshman campaign at Duke came to a stunning end with the Blue Devils falling 70–67 to Houston in the Final Four. A NBA general manager spoke about Flagg performance and makes a comparison with Scottie Pippen.
Now, all eyes turn to Flagg’s professional future. The 18-year-old phenom is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is already seen by many as a future franchise cornerstone. However, not everyone in the league is sold on his ceiling as a No. 1 option.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, an anonymous Eastern Conference general manager offered a tempered take—comparing Flagg to Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, but with a caveat.
“I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1 guy—and was after MJ left [Chicago]—but he became by far the best No. 2,” the executive said. “I think Cooper will be a hell of a No. 2, but he might need a top-10 [player] running mate with him. He can obviously prove me wrong, but I don’t see him as a No. 1 guy on a championship team in his career.”
While the comparison is flattering on paper, it also sets a remarkably high bar. Pippen is often regarded as the greatest second option in NBA history. His accolades include six championships, 10 All-Defensive Team selections, seven All-NBA nods, seven All-Star appearances, and a spot on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Pippen by the numbers
Over 17 NBA seasons, Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Renowned for his defensive prowess, he was also an elite playmaker and a reliable scorer, especially in transition and on the wing.
Flagg’s dominant NCAA run
Flagg made a strong case for himself during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run, averaging 21.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and a blistering 50% from three-point range.
Over the full season, the freshman sensation posted 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading Duke to a 35–4 record. His versatility and poise at both ends of the floor made him arguably the most impactful player in the country.
Flagg capped off the year by winning the Associated Press Player of the Year award, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the honor. He’s just the fourth freshman to earn the title, joining an exclusive club that includes Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012), and Zion Williamson (2019).