Cooper Flagg is compared to five players, ranked from least to greatest impact

Cooper Flagg has long been compared to other basketball professionals in an attempt to fit him into the right mold. However, his talent is undeniable, and today, five names emerge as realistic comparisons.

The future of Cooper Flagg in the NBA: Who does he really resemble?

Scouts have been captivated by Cooper Flagg for some time, and with his imminent arrival in the NBA, the big question remains, which player does he most resemble?

While there is no exact comparison for such a versatile talent, his game reflects elements of several NBA stars. Here, we explore five players who could serve as realistic references for the young prodigy, ranked from least to greatest impact in the league.

5. Andrei Kirilenko

One of the first names that comes up when discussing Cooper Flagg is Andrei Kirilenko, an exceptional defender with outstanding basketball IQ. Like Kirilenko, Flagg possesses an innate ability to anticipate plays, protect the rim, and guard multiple positions.

However, for this comparison to hold, Flagg would need to rely more on his athleticism and less on his perimeter shooting, something that, so far, he has shown steady improvement in.

4. Jalen Johnson

While Cooper Flagg is already more polished in his perimeter shooting and decision-making, his game bears similarities to Jalen Johnson, who has emerged as a key piece for the Atlanta Hawks.

Both excel in transition, create offense from the pick-and-roll, and use their physicality to dominate inside.

3. Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes serves as an intriguing model for Cooper Flagg. Both players stand out for their basketball IQ, ability to generate offense, and defensive versatility.

If Flagg perimeter shooting doesn’t become his defining skill, he could follow Barnes’ path. However, his current shooting efficiency suggests he may evolve into a more reliable perimeter scorer.

2. Franz Wagner

Franz Wagner has demonstrated how a well-rounded forward can thrive in the NBA. His ability to handle the ball, finish at the rim, and develop his outside shot provides a clear path for Cooper Flagg.

Both could serve as dependable second options on offense, with Flagg projecting as an even stronger defensive presence.

1. Kevin Garnett

If everything falls into place, Cooper Flagg could have an impact similar to Kevin Garnett.

 

While Flagg has a more traditional perimeter creation ability, he shares Garnett’s intensity, physicality, two-way dominance, and ability to score from multiple spots on the floor. If he reaches his full potential, he could be a superstar on both ends of the court.