This season, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, a highly anticipated rookie from whom much is expected. Following a standout season at Duke, this versatile Dallas forward is drawing significant attention. The main question is: will his on-court performance live up to the high expectations for this 18-year-old talent?
We consulted our fantasy basketball experts — André Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander — to get their insights on the projected 2025 first overall pick and whether he’s a wise draft choice at his current average draft position (around pick 31).
Expert Opinions
André Snellings:
I`m all in on Flagg. He piqued my interest even before I scouted the Las Vegas Summer League, but seeing him play live further convinced me that he possesses the game, size, and mentality to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Flagg displays an all-around game, having led Duke in five major statistical categories last season. This blend of scoring, offensive creation, and defensive intensity should integrate well into a team rich with talented big men but lacking perimeter presence due to Kyrie Irving`s injury. Beyond his skills, Flagg has an ultra-competitive mindset that propels great players to quickly ascend at the professional level. While I wouldn`t rush to draft him in the first two rounds, I believe his upside makes him a worthwhile consideration from the third round onward.
Jim McCormick:
It`s tempting to play it safe and assume the market is overvaluing and overhyping a young, albeit generational, prospect. My willingness to invest in Flagg at his current draft price stems from the fact that he offers something most wing prospects don`t: potentially elite defensive production right from the start. As Kevin Pelton has frequently noted, defensive statistics from collegiate levels are often “sticky,” translating effectively to the NBA. Flagg`s defense also passes the eye test; he constantly utilizes his wingspan in passing lanes and around the rim. His potential for passing upside on a team in need of creation adds to his appeal, but I`m primarily banking on steals and blocks as his core fantasy value.
Eric Karabell:
Flagg is set to be a valuable fantasy option this season, perhaps the only first-year player we can truly rely on. I anticipate Flagg playing significant minutes (which is half the battle) and contributing across the statistical board for roto/category leagues, potentially finishing among the top 50 players. However, I do think expectations might be slightly inflated based on early ADP figures. While someone in your league might grab him in Round 2 or 3, Flagg likely won`t average 20 PPG, 10 RPG, or block shots at the same rate he did at Duke. He should be solid in Year 1, a top-50 player.
Eric Moody:
Flagg should be an instant-impact player in fantasy hoops, so I`m drafting him. He`s a Rookie of the Year favorite and brings a robust all-around game, averaging 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 1.4 BPG at Duke last season. Coupled with Dallas`s post-Luka rebuild, he`s expected to have a high usage rate and extensive minutes from day one. In fantasy, you want a player who can score, rebound, pass, and contribute defensively, and Flagg perfectly fits that description. Even as a rookie, his ceiling is simply too high to overlook.
Steve Alexander:
I`m in on Flagg, whose early industry ADP is in the mid-30s. Flagg is expected to shoulder a huge workload this season, especially with Irving likely out for the year. He`s seen as the savior who should help Dallas fans move past the Luka Doncic trade, and GM Nico Harrison is hoping Flagg`s high-level play will alleviate some pressure. I project averages of 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.0 block, and 1.5 three-pointers, which should provide strong value for a third-round selection. Sign me up!
Rupert Hollis