Cooper Flagg: The Data-Backed Case for the NBA's Next Franchise Player

Cooper Flagg by the Numbers
The Complete Package
At 206cm with a 213cm wingspan, Flagg’s physical metrics place him in the 98th percentile for modern NBA forwards. But what truly separates him is his statistical omnipotence:
- 19.2 PPG on 58.3% TS (True Shooting)
- 7.5 RPG / 4.2 APG showing rare playmaking
- Elite defensive stats: 1.4 SPG + 1.4 BPG
His movement tracking data reveals even more: covering 4.5km per game (top 5% in NCAA) while maintaining a 97th percentile offensive rating.
Shooting Breakdown
Flagg’s jumper defies big-man stereotypes:
- Catch-and-shoot 3P%: 39.1% (NBA range)
- Pull-up 3P%: 35.8% - unheard of for players over 6’8”
- Mid-range efficiency: 47.2% on high volume
Our shot chart analysis shows remarkable consistency from all zones - no statistical dead spots.
Defensive Dominance
The advanced metrics paint him as a generational defender:
Metric | Percentile |
---|---|
Isolation PPP | 96th |
Help Defense | 99th |
Deflections | 94th |
His combination of lateral quickness (measured at NBA guard-level) and verticality makes him positionless.
The Clutch Question
Here’s where my spreadsheet gets interesting. In final 2-minute situations:
- FG% drops to 38.5%
- Turnover rate increases by 22%
- Defensive rating remains elite (89.3)
The film shows occasional decision-making lapses against double teams - something that NBA scouting reports will test immediately.
Final verdict: Flagg profiles as a guaranteed All-Star with DPOY upside. Whether he becomes the franchise player depends on developing late-game execution - but the foundational data suggests it’s more likely than not.