Cooper Flagg Is No. 1 — But Who’s Next? The Real Draft Night Truths From the Pros

The Man Everyone Knows

Cooper Flagg isn’t just the No. 1 pick — he’s the moment. I stood in Chicago during the Combine and felt it: that electric hum when greatness walks into a room. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t flex. But when he steps on court? You know it.

He led Duke to the Final Four, dominated ACC play like a boss, and posted stats that scream elite: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists — all while leading NCAA in Box Plus-Minus (16.3). And Dallas didn’t win lottery luck; they earned this moment.

But here’s what no one says out loud: Flagg isn’t perfect. No superstar is.

What They Actually Say About Him

Western Conference Executive #1 put it best:

“He may not be an elite scorer like playoff stars… but he’ll be more than capable.”

That hits different.

He’ll never be Steph Curry with gravity-defying release or Luka with that impossible handle — but he’s built for consistency, control, and defense at a level most rookies aren’t ready for.

And let’s talk about something no one mentions: his team culture.

College coach #1 said flat out: “He made it easy not to be jealous.” That matters more than any highlight reel.

In an era where ‘entitled’ gets thrown around like confetti… Flagg plays hard without ego? That’s rare gold.

Beyond No. 1: The Wild Cards Nobody Gets Right

Ace Bailey – The Scorer Who Can’t Defend (Yet)

Ace Bailey has three-level scoring like Durant at his peak — off both hips, off dribble, off screens. But here’s what coaches whispered:

“He lacks defensive desire… not effort—but will.” That line kills me. It means he can, but won’t prioritize it unless forced. NBA teams love shooters… but they hate guards who disappear on D. The right fit could unlock him — wrong team? He fades fast. Think Jabari Smith with more talent and less maturity? Maybe better than we think… if someone builds him right.

Cedric Coward – The Freak With A Plan?

The guy played two seasons at Eastern Washington before transferring to WSU after injury hell got real (6 games last year). Yet scouts are obsessed:

“This kid might be an NBA player,” said one head coach after watching film alone before game day. The move was smooth as silk; his size? Freakish (6-5), long arms like rope ladders, his shooting improved dramatically — now consistent from deep. The system mattered too: played under complex schemes that demanded IQ over flashiness. Pitino-style basketball meets modern spacing = ideal prep for NBA life if health stays clean.