In a league where there is no defensive 3 seconds that just doesnt happen. His teammates also arent the best or most experienced players and he's starting next to a true 5.
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- Thread starter Elizah Huge
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I don't see what you are referring to impacting what I am referring to, at least on the film that I've seen. What I see is Flagg on the perimeter, mostly being guarded by college forwards, and he doesn't have enough burst or craft to get by his guy.
This conversation is making me seem like a Flagg hater, which is really far from the truth. For the record I think Flagg is good enough and effects enough things on offense and defense that he's a winning player and should go #1.
Im just not seeing that.
He's getting by his man a lot and being met by 1-2 defenders in the paint. When he cant get past his guys, he's bumping them/spinning around them/stepping through to get in front of the rim. He's overpowering dudes as a 17 year old.
And he's doing that without his jumper being a huge threat, so guys are sagging off a bit. When his jumper gets better and he's in NBA spacing, I dont see him getting to the rim as being an issue, and even if he has a man in front, he's going to be able bump them and rise over them.
I was randomly comparing Paulo and Scottie to Flagg last night and realized that they were both a year older than Flagg during their freshman season. I find that the age thing is often used as an excuse for someone who plays really bad, but Flagg is on par with elite prospects and is also young. The difference in those early years can make a huge difference.
It doesn’t happen as often in NCAA, basketball, but look at International prospects who play in the same league from 18-19. The jump is not guaranteed, but they are often massive. Perhaps this is more pronounced in a league full of men vs older kids, but I think you get the idea.
I think Flagg would be #1 if he was a year older, but it’s interesting to think about just how good he’d be a year later.
It doesn’t happen as often in NCAA, basketball, but look at International prospects who play in the same league from 18-19. The jump is not guaranteed, but they are often massive. Perhaps this is more pronounced in a league full of men vs older kids, but I think you get the idea.
I think Flagg would be #1 if he was a year older, but it’s interesting to think about just how good he’d be a year later.
V.J. Edgecombe's combination of high-level athleticism and aggressiveness on offense makes him a standout prospect, even if his shots aren't falling yet. IMO, he should be a top-half-of-the-lottery guy even if his numbers don't improve much.
Cooper Flagg is a Swiss Army knife who can legitimately handle, drive and playmake at 6'8". The play finishing should come together as he matures. There just isn't another player in the draft who constantly impacts the game like Cooper. I don't think he'll have much problem getting where he wants on an NBA floor.
I think his athleticism and aggression on defense, not offense, is what makes him standout. His offense is extremely worrisome. A guy like Joson Sanon is probably a much better offensive prospect and are around the same size.
You really have to hope their is a Donovan Mitchell-esque jump from his year 1 to year 2 offensive game, but he wont be doing that at the college level, it will be at the NBA level.
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You can kind of see it on Flagg too. He moves well and is aggressive but still has that HS kinda skinny gangliness to him. He looks young I guess is what I am saying. The jumpshot form needs some work but its funny for some to say he's not a great offensive prospect when he leads his team in pts and assists while playing phenomenal defense. I think there will always be some that like to go against the grain and might be overthinking it. He is a phenomenal prospect and very much worthy of being a consensus #1 guy.
Keep an eye on Magoon Gwath. 7 footer beanpole playing for SDSU
Shot blocking savant who is showing a 3pt shot.
Shot blocking savant who is showing a 3pt shot.
He might be the good version of Bol Bol.
HadAnEffectHere
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His handle is pretty catastrophic for a guard. He looks like he wants to look down when dribbling and all of his athleticism is sapped with the ball because he can't move quickly while keeping control of the ball.
He and Ace are two guys where they really just have no ball handling ability currently and needs to get to a high level to be a star.