In a recent analysis, basketball expert John Doe highlighted a potential strategic decision for top high school prospect Cooper Flagg: returning to Duke for another season. According to Doe, Flagg’s future could be influenced by the teams that secure the coveted top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
If either the Detroit Pistons or the San Antonio Spurs land the top pick, Flagg may want to reconsider his immediate jump to the professional ranks. While the 6’8″ forward is already considered a top-tier talent, the fit with these two franchises, both in the midst of rebuilding, might not be ideal for his development.
“The Pistons and Spurs have a heavy focus on young players, and their rosters are already loaded with potential future stars. A year at Duke, under the guidance of Coach Jon Scheyer, could allow Flagg to further hone his skills and increase his draft stock for the following year, where more teams could be in a position to better utilize his unique skill set,” said Doe.
Flagg, who is a consensus top pick in the 2025 draft, has received praise for his versatility, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ. However, with the uncertainty surrounding how well he would fit into the roster dynamics of teams like the Pistons and Spurs, returning to Duke could provide him with another year of growth before making the leap to the NBA.
As the draft picture continues to take shape, Flagg’s decision will be one to watch closely, with many anticipating the impact it will have on both his future and the next phase of his basketball career.