Raise the Flagg: The NBA's Future With Cooper Flagg

Published: Monday, February 3, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

The "Maine Event" has been generational this season at Duke.

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg needs no introduction to the basketball world or sports fans alike. The 6-foot-9 forward has been a highlight machine for the Blue Devils this season, emerging as a significant player in the program’s history. For a program that has featured stars such as Zion Williamson and Kyrie Irving, Flagg is carving out his own legendary status.

For NBA franchises, he is the crown jewel they are targeting in the 2025 NBA Draft. The hype for Flagg is reaching a level similar to what the league saw two years ago when the Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama first overall. But for Flagg, it feels different.

The current state of the NBA is an interesting one. Legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are nearing retirement, television ratings are down, and the Xs and Os are evolving. As a result, some fans have become disinterested or dissatisfied with the current version of the league.

But with Flagg almost guaranteed to be heading to the association next season, the league should be in good hands.

From a ratings perspective, Flagg will no doubt captivate die-hard and casual fans alike. His arrival comes as a new media deal is set to begin for the league.

Amazon Prime and NBC will join ESPN and ABC for a new 11-year media agreement starting next season. In July 2024, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that "approximately 75 games would air across ABC and NBC."

Even in the era of streaming, broadcast television remains essential for sports fans — just look at the NFL, for example. The increasing exposure for Flagg should help elevate the league's questionable ratings from recent seasons.

Arguably the biggest factor contributing to Flagg's appeal is his status as an American-born player. The growth of the international game has been remarkable, with many foreign players becoming some of the league's best. From Nikola Jokic to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the game has seen tremendous global growth.

For the U.S., young stars are doing their part, including Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum. But after the U.S. narrowly defeated France in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics last summer, it's clear the world has caught up.

With Flagg, by the time the 2028 Summer Olympics arrives, his name should be among the most popular with NBA fans. Flagg, alongside young stars such as former Blue Devil Paolo Banchero, could help the U.S. continue its international dominance.

What's unique about Flagg is what he will bring to the league skill-wise. Scouts have collectively praised his defense, athleticism, maturity, and other incredible attributes. Adding to that, Duke is winning and is among the best teams in college basketball, making Flagg undoubtedly ready for the league.

It's not just the league as a whole — the franchise that drafts him will determine its future. As of Feb. 2, the Washington Wizards are the overwhelming favorites to land him. To say the Wizards have been bad is an understatement.

If Flagg plays there, the narrative will change around an organization that has struggled to succeed. Since an unexpected playoff appearance in the 2020-21 season, the Wizards have been mediocre and unwatchable for fans. Even after selecting French big man Alex Sarr second overall in last year’s draft, they somehow got worse.

The Wizards are 7-41 through 48 games, comparable to last year’s Detroit Pistons squad, which has turned things around this season. Flagg’s talent alone should help Washington become respectable again if he plays there. Other teams in the Flagg sweepstakes include the Utah Jazz, the New Orleans Pelicans, and locally, the Brooklyn Nets.

With the college basketball and NBA seasons still ongoing, Flagg has a long way to go before his league debut. Duke is still on its quest to win a national championship with Flagg. But June will come eventually, and when the NBA Draft arrives, Flagg will change the fortunes of one team and the league.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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