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

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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.

StatHunter

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