Image Source: CP
[Saba Sports News] Finishing near the bottom of the NBA standings is usually frustrating for fans, but this year, it could mean landing Duke’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg.
However, NBA analyst Bill Simmons believes a team outside the lottery should make a bold move to grab the elite prospect.
During his podcast, Simmons suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder—already one of the league’s top contenders—should go all-in for Flagg.
“What are they [Thunder] gonna do with all these picks?” Simmons questioned. “Could this be the year they package that seventh, eighth, or ninth pick—plus eight more—and say, ‘Give us Cooper Flagg. Here’s the all-time motherload of picks’?”
Simmons pointed out that Flagg’s rookie contract would be a financial advantage for OKC, as they wouldn’t have to commit $30-40 million annually until his fifth year. With future extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren looming, making a blockbuster move for Flagg could be a strategic play.
Flagg is dominating at Duke, leading the team in all five major statistical categories and emerging as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year. Pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on an already elite Thunder squad could instantly boost their championship hopes.
The 6-foot-9 freshman is averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while impacting both ends of the floor with 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
His efficiency is also impressive, shooting 61.9% at the rim, 42.1% on non-rim twos, 81.4% from the free-throw line, and 37% from three on 3.8 attempts per game.
Beyond his scoring, Flagg is an elite rebounder and defender, grabbing 5.9% of available offensive boards and 20.5% on defense, with a 3% steal rate and 4.2% block rate.
Offensively, he creates his own shot on 54.1% of his makes and assists teammates on 25.3% of their field goals when he’s on the floor.
Entering the NBA Draft, Flagg is already one of the most accomplished prospects in recent memory. He led Montverde Academy to a perfect 33-0 season and a 2024 Chipotle High School Nationals Championship, alongside three other projected first-round picks—Derik Queen, Liam McNeeley, and Asa Newell.
His accolades include being named 2023-24 Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith National Player of the Year, as well as earning McDonald’s All-American honors.
He also shined on the international stage, winning gold with USA Basketball at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he was named to the All-Star Five.
As of NBA All-Star weekend, the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets hold the best odds for the No. 1 pick, but the final draft order won’t be determined until the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
Whether a team like OKC makes a bold move remains to be seen, but the race for Flagg is already heating up.