Cooper Flagg — 2025 NBA Draft Prospect

[BatManu20]

I’ve seen enough. Time to #GagForFlagg this year tbh.

Joking obv, but this kid hooping with future HOF’ers like this at only 17 years old is pretty special tbh. Not sure he’s a “generational prospect” per se, but he’s clearly a damn good basketball player with a really advanced feel for the game at his age. Definitely the favorite to go #1 next year, though Ace Bailey or one of them the other young blue-chippers may have something to say about that, and could see him having an immediate impact from day one after some seasoning at Duke this year.

Either way, hoping ATL sucks hard this year so we’re in the mix for this kid. Would make a beautiful pairing with Wemby and Co at that 3-spot tbh.



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[Robz4000]

Kid's a baller tbh. Hopefully becomes Wemby's Pippen.

[BatManu20]

Kid's a baller tbh. Hopefully becomes Wemby's Pippen.

Flagg as a Robin would be nasty tbh. Let us pray the Basketball Gods smile favorably upon us during next year’s Draft Lottery.

[scott]

What's nuts is that while this guy is probably the lead contender to be the #1 draft pick, I'd say there is less than a 50% chance right now that he will be. The 2025 class has the potential to look that good.

[Mugen]

I actually like Trae Young unlike a lot of people on the board. But if there was ever a season, I'd want him to pull a Nephew, it'd be this one :lol

https://i.redd.it/c3zlg14qc7lc1.jpeg

[scott]

Hair transplant surgery?

[Mugen]

Hair transplant surgery?

Finger surgery :lol

But he also got plugs. Still ugly as sin tbh

[spurraider21]

i can see the headlines when we win the lotto

Spurs Capture the Flagg

[Mugen]

I'd be happy with a top 10 pick tbh. '25 draft is absolutely loaded.

[DPG21920]

Let Your Freak Flagg Fly (TM)

[benefactor]

I need Mr. Body to get back in here and tell us again how he's going to bust

[exstatic]

I'd be happy with a top 10 pick tbh. '25 draft is absolutely loaded.

Picks 7-10 are probably like the top 4 in this draft, but there’s gold in picks 1-6. Probably 2-3 future All NBA, and 3-4 All Stars.

[SpursFan86]

I need Mr. Body to get back in here and tell us again how he's going to bust

He’s just taking advantage of the physically inferior opposition on the NBA Olympics squad :spin

[DPG21920]

Not getting a top 5 pick will sting some….but if Spurs end up with something like 8, 10 and maybe get very lucky with Bulls or CHA and land pick 12-14 as well? Great result.

[Mr. Body]

Back in the Dream Team days, they played a select group of college players who wrecked them in scrimmage. Guys like Bobby Hurley. It's scrimmage.

[benefactor]

I need Mr. Body to get back in here and tell us again how he's going to bust


Back in the Dream Team days, they played a select group of college players who wrecked them in scrimmage. Guys like Bobby Hurley. It's scrimmage.
Right on cue:lol

[benefactor]

:lol comparing Cooper Flagg to Bobby Hurley

[playbonner15]

Back in the Dream Team days, they played a select group of college players who wrecked them in scrimmage. Guys like Bobby Hurley. It's scrimmage.

I think that was the one with Chris Weber

[exstatic]

Back in the Dream Team days, they played a select group of college players who wrecked them in scrimmage. Guys like Bobby Hurley. It's scrimmage.

Chuck Daly threw that game by playing MJ almost no minutes, and twisting his lineups. He played it straight the next game, with normal MJ minutes,and they destroyed the select team.

[Mr. Body]

Chuck Daly threw that game by playing MJ almost no minutes, and twisting his lineups. He played it straight the next game, with normal MJ minutes,and they destroyed the select team.

Daly used it as a scrimmage. You're supposed to try things out and work on plays. The hype on this Flagg kid is going to be ridiculous. "Holy shit he ate a sandwich!"

[exstatic]

Daly used it as a scrimmage. You're supposed to try things out and work on plays. The hype on this Flagg kid is going to be ridiculous. "Holy shit he ate a sandwich!"

No. He threw it as a motivational tactic. Wanted his guys pissed off, and it worked.

[Uriel]

Realistically though, what is his upside? Andrei Kirlenko 2.0?

[taps]

Realistically though, what is his upside? Andrei Kirlenko 2.0?
Malik Hairston with a jump shot.

[DAF86]

But you guys are happy with your CP3 and Barnes gets. Since PATFO has already gone this route, I hope they go all in and get Markkanen too, because if this is the roster we roll with and we end up with 35 wins I'm gonna be pissed, tbh.

[BackHome]

It’s OK you’ll get over it.

[scott]

But you guys are happy with your CP3 and Barnes gets. Since PATFO has already gone this route, I hope they go all in and get Markkanen too, because if this is the roster we roll with and we end up with 35 wins I'm gonna be pissed, tbh.

Yeah, landing firmly somewhere 6/7-10, when your lotto odds drastically fall off but you weren't really anywhere close to play-in contention will be a managerial disaster this season. You either need to be serious about tanking or be serious about competing for the play-in, and I think by the end of this coming season that's likely what we'll see: a greater compression at the bottom, and then a tighter race for the play in.

I'm including seed #5 in the lottery as a tanking victory, because you're still 42% chance at Top-4 at that point.

Last season, the gap between #5 and #6 was 3 games and the gap from #5 to #9 (the last tanker slot) was 10 games. I think we'll see that be a lot tighter this season, maybe more like 2 or 3 games from #5 to #10 this year OR we'll see a huge gap from #5 to #8 and a closer gap for play-in competition. We only had one competitive race for the play-in last year, but Houston still finished 5 games back. The Nets were actually closer at 4 games out but seemed to be trying for it less (even though they were losing their pick).

I think we'll see less of a spectrum of records in the lottery and a big gulf between the tankers and the play-in wannabes. Those wanna-bes will be gifted a few extra dubs from the tankers jockeying for position.

[Ice009]

Wasn't TD also on a select team and played really well against that second dream team?

[timvp]

Wasn't TD also on a select team and played really well against that second dream team?

This is probably what you're thinking of: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2016/07/11/tim-duncans-legendary-career-began-by-dominating-alzono-mourning-at-age-16/

[Ice009]

This is probably what you're thinking of: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2016/07/11/tim-duncans-legendary-career-began-by-dominating-alzono-mourning-at-age-16/

Yeah, that might be. I forgot that story for a minute. Having said that, I still remember him on a select team that played well against the US team.

I just found it https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/3dx1go/1996_dream_team_vs_college_select_team_featuring/

Tim, Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups, Shay Seals (top scored with 20), Austin Croshere pushed the 1996 Dream Team with a 17 point lead at half time, but ended up losing the game by 6. Tim went up against Shaq and Hakeem.

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/remembering-when-the-1996-usa-olympic-squad-overcame-a-17-point-halftime-deficit-against-the-collegiate-select-team
I was pretty young back then, but I thought that 1996 Dream Team was one of the best USA squads ever.

[BatManu20]

Realistically though, what is his upside? Andrei Kirlenko 2.0?

Scottie Pippen or a more offensively talented Andrei Kirilenko are the 2 most popular comparisons I’ve seen for him. He’s an elite two-way prospect who is arguably the best defender in the 2025 Class and who’s still improving offensively, but can score at all 3 levels and shows all the traits of being a big time scorer at the next level. Not sure ATL will be bad enough to give us a chance at him, but pairing him with Wemby would be pretty nuts tbh.

[spursparker9]

He is AK2.0 with higher offensive ceiling

[DAF86]

"Best coach in NBA history?"

Flagg "Greg Popovich" :stirpot:

[Uriel]

Man, AK-47 would fit like a glove in today’s NBA. How much more his heir apparent?

Also, I don’t think we have to rely solely on Atlanta’s lottery pick. We have ours as well (unless we actually make the playoffs, which is not impossible). Assuming the Spurs and Hawks finish 9 and 10 respectively (as currently projected), those two picks combined give us about a 7.5% chance of winning the lottery, which is the same as if we had finished 7th.

[SpursFan86]

Also, I don’t think we have to rely solely on Atlanta’s lottery pick. We have ours as well (unless we actually make the playoffs, which is not impossible). Assuming the Spurs and Hawks finish 9 and 10 respectively (as currently projected), those two picks combined give us about a 7.5% chance of winning the lottery, which is the same as if we had finished 7th.

Good way to look at it. Also would mean we’d have a little better than a 1/3 chance in at least landing in the top 4 which isn’t terrible…not getting Flagg there but could still mean landing an all-NBA caliber prospect.

[stnick2261]

Good way to look at it. Also would mean we’d have a little better than a 1/3 chance in at least landing in the top 4 which isn’t terrible…not getting Flagg there but could still mean landing an all-NBA caliber prospect.

yeah, this draft will be about 5-6 deep with Tier 1 players, but it will be impossible to finish with draft pick #5/6 unless Wemby gets injured. The good news is that we don't need to WIN the lottery; any of the top 4 would be a #2 player next to Wemby. And there will be quality players wherever we naturally land.

[offset formation]

Somebody was telling me this draft wouldn't be teams tanking for the Flagg

[offset formation]

yeah, this draft will be about 5-6 deep with Tier 1 players, but it will be impossible to finish with draft pick #5/6 unless Wemby gets injured. The good news is that we don't need to WIN the lottery; any of the top 4 would be a #2 player next to Wemby. And there will be quality players wherever we naturally land.

Hopefully ATL "naturally lands" there. It's not out of the realm of possibilities if Trae gets hurt for an extended amount of time. That pick is fucking gold and shame on people that were wiling to trade it.

[cd98]

Spurs need to suck this year so we can have two potential shots at the top pick.

[exstatic]

Hopefully ATL "naturally lands" there. It's not out of the realm of possibilities if Trae gets hurt for an extended amount of time. That pick is fucking gold and shame on people that were wiling to trade it.

Last year, three out of the worst four teams got booted out of the top 4 picks. Not the first time that’s happened during the flat odds era, either. The worst team’s top individual pick odds are #5 @ 47.9%, a fact that Detroit seems to be hellbent on proving year after year. The finish position is nice for calculating odds, which are increased by your position, but nothings in stone until the ping pong balls pop out of the hopper.

[south side spur]

Scottie Pippen or a more offensively talented Andrei Kirilenko are the 2 most popular comparisons I’ve seen for him. He’s an elite two-way prospect who is arguably the best defender in the 2025 Class and who’s still improving offensively, but can score at all 3 levels and shows all the traits of being a big time scorer at the next level. Not sure ATL will be bad enough to give us a chance at him, but pairing him with Wemby would be pretty nuts tbh.

Flagg seems more like Dominique Wilkins than Scottie Pippen

[LeBowen]

Last year, three out of the worst four teams got booted out of the top 4 picks. Not the first time that’s happened during the flat odds era, either. The worst team’s top individual pick odds are #5 @ 47.9%, a fact that Detroit seems to be hellbent on proving year after year. The finish position is nice for calculating odds, which are increased by your position, but nothings in stone until the ping pong balls pop out of the hopper.

I'm not that optimistic about the picks because it's either top4 or late lottery.
8 teams are going to lose games on purpose, if we assume we get #9 and #10 odds with two picks we own, it's still just 32% chance for top4.
With 0% chance for #5-8 picks, it's either top4 or staying at #9/10 as best case scenario.

My realistic best case scenario would be getting two #9-12 range picks and trading up to let's say #6 or so.
Noone's trading down from top5.

[Frenchfred]

I'm not that optimistic about the picks because it's either top4 or late lottery.
8 teams are going to lose games on purpose, if we assume we get #9 and #10 odds with two picks we own, it's still just 32% chance for top4.
With 0% chance for #5-8 picks, it's either top4 or staying at #9/10 as best case scenario.

My realistic best case scenario would be getting two #9-12 range picks and trading up to let's say #6 or so.
Noone's trading down from top5.

I'm not so sure that we won't finish in the bottom 8.

[LeBowen]

I'm not so sure that we won't finish in the bottom 8.

Nets, Pistons, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, Wizards, Blazers, Jazz.

Which of these teams you think can have a better record if Wemby is healthy?

[exstatic]

I'm not that optimistic about the picks because it's either top4 or late lottery.
8 teams are going to lose games on purpose, if we assume we get #9 and #10 odds with two picks we own, it's still just 32% chance for top4.
With 0% chance for #5-8 picks, it's either top4 or staying at #9/10 as best case scenario.

My realistic best case scenario would be getting two #9-12 range picks and trading up to let's say #6 or so.
Noone's trading down from top5.

I think ATL is going to suck. They’re in the process of offloading assets, and only Jalen Johnson and Sarr are said to be untouchable. I can see a finish like 6 or 7 for them. Even if we do finish 9/10, that’s a 1/3 chance to draft a meaningful impact player, WAY better odds than we had for Wemby. Even if we stay at 9/10, there’s a chance to trade up with them to 6 or 7 with a team whose cupboard is bare.

[LeBowen]

I think ATL is going to suck. They’re in the process of offloading assets, and only Jalen Johnson and Sarr are said to be untouchable. I can see a finish like 6 or 7 for them. Even if we do finish 9/10, that’s a 1/3 chance to draft a meaningful impact player, WAY better odds than we had for Wemby. Even if we stay at 9/10, there’s a chance to trade up with them to 6 or 7 with a team whose cupboard is bare.

My belief is that not wanting to lose is an automatic +5 to 10 in W column. And they have no reason to lose games.
Way better odds, but still bad odds.
We got lucky with Wemby, moved up to #4 and got the Raptors pick. Believing we'll get lucky again with 32% odds is kind of too optimistic for my taste.

[Kevin]

My belief is that not wanting to lose is an automatic +5 to 10 in W column. And they have no reason to lose games.
Way better odds, but still bad odds.
We got lucky with Wemby, moved up to #4 and got the Raptors pick. Believing we'll get lucky again with 32% odds is kind of too optimistic for my taste.

Plus the Robinson Duncan lotto wins. Spurs are due for some bad luck in the lottery.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think ATL is going to suck. They’re in the process of offloading assets, and only Jalen Johnson and Sarr are said to be untouchable. I can see a finish like 6 or 7 for them. Even if we do finish 9/10, that’s a 1/3 chance to draft a meaningful impact player, WAY better odds than we had for Wemby. Even if we stay at 9/10, there’s a chance to trade up with them to 6 or 7 with a team whose cupboard is bare.

how dumb do you have to be to think the Hawks drafted Sarr? You got dementia don't you?

[exstatic]

My belief is that not wanting to lose is an automatic +5 to 10 in W column. And they have no reason to lose games.
Way better odds, but still bad odds.
We got lucky with Wemby, moved up to #4 and got the Raptors pick. Believing we'll get lucky again with 32% odds is kind of too optimistic for my taste.

Past events don’t affect future outcomes. It’s not 32%, discounted for past luck. Besides, we weren’t lucky in 2020, 2021,or 2022.

[exstatic]

how dumb do you have to be to think the Hawks drafted Sarr? You got dementia don't you?

My bad. Risacher.

[TrainOfThought5]

Plus the Robinson Duncan lotto wins. Spurs are due for some bad luck in the lottery.

that’s not how this works. Every lottery is brand new odds.

[offset formation]

I'm not so sure that we won't finish in the bottom 8.

Barring an injury to you know who, I'd say the odds are quite low. Even with a ancient as CP3 is we've upgraded 2 of our starting positions with him and Barnes. And that's before you even get into what they bring off the court making others better. I think we challenge for 6-8 range.

[offset formation]

My bad. Risacher.

All Frenchies look alike.

[spursparker9]

Imagine we have Wemby, Flagg, Castle on the defensive end...

[BatManu20]

Imagine we have Wemby, Flagg, Castle on the defensive end...

Only way we get a realistic shot is if ATL sucks a fat one this year. Spurs won't be bad enough imo. I think we're going to be battling for the Play-In this season if we stay healthy.

[BatManu20]

Watching his tape, he's also a really good passer. Probably the most underrated part of his game tbh. Not super flashy, but a really sound passer who seems to make the right pass on target most of the time. He really is a bit of a Point-Forward. He excels in the PnR with the ball in his hands. Can pull up for the easy jumper if they go under, lower his head and attack the basket hard, or make a nice pass to the roller for an easy bucket or kick-out to an open shooter. A Flagg/Wemby PnR would sexy af tbh.

[spurraider21]

His peers voted him as the best player on the Olympic select team which is full of nba players

this guy hasn’t played a game of college ball yet

[Uriel]

Imagine being Cooper Flagg, going to practice against the Hall of Famers at Team USA, and then coming back to Duke to practice with your college teammates. :lol

[Ice009]

Has any team ever gotten both the number 1 and number 2 pick? Imagine getting that kind of luck ;). Of course, I'd rather win (I'm with Chris Paul as far as hating losing goes), but there is no way I'd trade that Atlanta pick.

[Mugen]

Only way we get a realistic shot is if ATL sucks a fat one this year. Spurs won't be bad enough imo. I think we're going to be battling for the Play-In this season if we stay healthy.

Never, ever underestimate the Old Man tbh

https://media.tenor.com/W6AzyqRRJ5sAAAAM/joe-biden-biden.gif

[scott]

Has any team ever gotten both the number 1 and number 2 pick? Imagine getting that kind of luck ;). Of course, I'd rather win (I'm with Chris Paul as far as hating losing goes), but there is no way I'd trade that Atlanta pick.

Only in the NFL. The Colts had the #1 and #2 pick in 1992 and took two colossal busts, Steve Emtman and Quinton Coryatt :lol

To be fair to the Colts, that was a pretty shitty draft though.

[LeBowen]

Has any team ever gotten both the number 1 and number 2 pick? Imagine getting that kind of luck ;).

Cavs had #1 and #4 in 2011, pick Kyrie ant Tristan.
Rockets had #1 and #3 in 1983, picked Sampson and McCray.
Bucks had #1 and #3 in 1977, picked Kent Benson and Marques Johnson.
Hawks had #1 and #3 in 1975, picked David Thompson and Marvin Webster.

#1 and #2 never happened.
If we get another top4 pick, there will be a mass outrage around the league. :rollin

[widowmaker]

Hair transplant surgery?



Leg lengthening surgery so he can stop being a midget.

[KobesAchilles]

I’m officially all in for tanking. There are 5 prospects that I would be extremely excited to have. Idk how we get in the top 5 but I really hope we do. Maybe Young demands a trade. Maybe CP3 pulls a hammy. But I’m officially on team tank. Bring in Sochan at the point. He didn’t get a fair shot at it last year. KJ should be starting too with Collins. The twin towers worked for Minn, it’ll work for us.

[stnick2261]

Has any team ever gotten both the number 1 and number 2 pick? Imagine getting that kind of luck ;). Of course, I'd rather win (I'm with Chris Paul as far as hating losing goes), but there is no way I'd trade that Atlanta pick.

If we don't tank and end up at numbers 9&10 (us and ATL pre-lottery)... there is a roughly 0.2925% chance we get both 1 & 2 spots. Coincidentally, if that were to happen, it raises the chances for CHI to drop to pick 11 for us too.

[Ice009]

Only in the NFL. The Colts had the #1 and #2 pick in 1992 and took two colossal busts, Steve Emtman and Quinton Coryatt :lol

To be fair to the Colts, that was a pretty shitty draft though.

Wow, that's crazy. I feel bad for them.


Cavs had #1 and #4 in 2011, pick Kyrie ant Tristan.
Rockets had #1 and #3 in 1983, picked Sampson and McCray.
Bucks had #1 and #3 in 1977, picked Kent Benson and Marques Johnson.
Hawks had #1 and #3 in 1975, picked David Thompson and Marvin Webster.

#1 and #2 never happened.
If we get another top4 pick, there will be a mass outrage around the league. :rollin

Interesting. I haven't heard of a few of those players. Was Marvin Webster any good? I haven't heard of Kent Benson and Marques (edit, spelt his name wrong) Johnson either. What about McCray? Was he any good.

Any idea who the Cavs passed up that ended up better than Thompson in that draft?


If we don't tank and end up at numbers 9&10 (us and ATL pre-lottery)... there is a roughly 0.2925% chance we get both 1 & 2 spots. Coincidentally, if that were to happen, it raises the chances for CHI to drop to pick 11 for us too.

Yeah, darn, those odds are low. Wasn't Atlanta projected in the 8-10 range last draft and ended up with number 1? What was the percentage on ATL getting the number 1 in this past draft?

[exstatic]

I’m officially all in for tanking. There are 5 prospects that I would be extremely excited to have. Idk how we get in the top 5 but I really hope we do. Maybe Young demands a trade. Maybe CP3 pulls a hammy. But I’m officially on team tank. Bring in Sochan at the point. He didn’t get a fair shot at it last year. KJ should be starting too with Collins. The twin towers worked for Minn, it’ll work for us.

No chance unless Vic misses 3/4 of the season. He dragged a short handed squad to a 6-2 finish

[exstatic]

Wow, that's crazy. I feel bad for them.



Interesting. I haven't heard of a few of those players. Was Marvin Webster any good? I haven't heard of Kent Benson and Margues Johnson either. What about McCray? Was he any good.

Any idea who the Cavs passed up that ended up better than Thompson in that draft?



Yeah, darn, those odds are low. Wasn't Atlanta projected in the 8-10 range last draft and ended up with number 1? What was the percentage on ATL getting the number 1 in this past draft?

3%

[Mr. Body]

Hot take: there won't be a single generational talent in the 2025 draft, but there will be very good players. Cooper Flagg won't go #1.

[exstatic]

Hot take: there won't be a single generational talent in the 2025 draft, but there will be very good players. Cooper Flagg won't go #1.

The generational talent is already in the league, and plays in SA. I’ve predicted 2-3 All NBA and 3-4 All Stars. Flagg will likely stay at the top of the mocks unless someone absolutely goes nova with stats. White American boy makes good is too irresistible a storyline. I think in a very bad draft or a very good one, you can draft for need, and I think his being picked #1 would depend on whoever’s need.

[LeBowen]

Hot take: there won't be a single generational talent in the 2025 draft, but there will be very good players. Cooper Flagg won't go #1.

What's a generational talent? If we're talking just about Timmy, Shaq, Lebron level players, then yeah, we won't see one of those in a while.
If we're talking about legit superstars, maybe one of these kids gets it.

But it's way too early to say, we've had plenty of players who looked like superstars in the making only to fall off before they even get to the league.
Flagg's biggest advantage is that his floor looks to be really high. Wing defenders are a luxury these days.

[KobesAchilles]

I’d say there are 4 all nba players on this draft. Maybe not generational but damn good. Like Tatum isn’t generational but he’s damn good

[exstatic]

What's a generational talent? If we're talking just about Timmy, Shaq, Lebron level players, then yeah, we won't see one of those in a while.
If we're talking about legit superstars, maybe one of these kids gets it.

But it's way too early to say, we've had plenty of players who looked like superstars in the making only to fall off before they even get to the league.
Flagg's biggest advantage is that his floor looks to be really high. Wing defenders are a luxury these days.

The last two generational talents were considered to be LeBron and Wemby. 2003 and 2023.

[tonight...you]

Imagine being Cooper Flagg, going to practice against the Hall of Famers at Team USA, and then coming back to Duke to practice with your college teammates. :lol
He lives in my apartment complex, along with several other Duke BB'ers. Ran into him in the elevator twice already.

[lefty20]

He's OKC bound. Nephew gonna get paid to sit on his arse this year and Harden will lead the clips to 30~ wins and somehow win the lotto. It is known.

[Uriel]

He lives in my apartment complex, along with several other Duke BB'ers. Ran into him in the elevator twice already.
He doesn’t live on campus?

[Pauleta14]

He's OKC bound. Nephew gonna get paid to sit on his arse this year and Harden will lead the clips to 30~ wins and somehow win the lotto. It is known.

They can't tank bc of the new arena that needs to be filled.

[lefty20]

They can't tank bc of the new arena that needs to be filled.

Oh, I don't think they will be trying to tank. I think they will just suck once Harden quits trying after it's obvious that Nephew is gonna be a no-show.

[BatManu20]

Kid’s size and wingspan are legit. Wingspan looks over 7’0. Definitely one of the major reasons why he’s such a great defender.

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2160341089/photo/2024-usab-mens-practice.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=emvcfbc03K0qv4Ibb_CrT_8PJItPLe1IcWcod0RiI_I=

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2160629898/photo/2024-usab-mens-training-camp.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=78Ln8gwnvvjlrEKImXOKYvdNA0tKYXoMgfLFALNDCtc=

[scott]

Utah ownership and front office gotta be salivating over this guy.

[offset formation]

Cavs had #1 and #4 in 2011, pick Kyrie ant Tristan.
Rockets had #1 and #3 in 1983, picked Sampson and McCray.
Bucks had #1 and #3 in 1977, picked Kent Benson and Marques Johnson.
Hawks had #1 and #3 in 1975, picked David Thompson and Marvin Webster.

#1 and #2 never happened.
If we get another top4 pick, there will be a mass outrage around the league. :rollin

They can EABOD. Lakers were the golden child of the NBA for much of Kobe's time -- see that Jerry West reach around as Memphis GM to send them Pau for next to nothing but his brother). And then they have all the advantages of being born on 3rd base. Spurs do it through the draft like blue collar folk.

[playbonner15]

Utah ownership and front office gotta be salivating over this guy.

that Filipowski - Flagg - Kessler - Markannen lineup though

[Maddog]

Interesting. I haven't heard of a few of those players. Was Marvin Webster any good? I haven't heard of Kent Benson and Margues Johnson either. What about McCray? Was he any good.

Any idea who the Cavs passed up that ended up better than Thompson in that draft?


Interesting part of these is it shows that the draft has always been crapshoot.
Benson was a case of big men always being over valued even in a day that they where more useful. Marques Johnson was damn good.
The Hawks 1 and 3 was one of the biggest whiffs ever- Marvin Webster was a very good defensive center whose career was cut short due to health issues. Neither Webster nor Thompson ever played for Atlanta- both signed with the ABA.
Cavs passed on Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard Jimmy Butler, Jimmer Fredette- but then again so did a lot of other teams.
McCray was a solid pro- Houston got 1 and 3 then the next year got 1 again-in 83 and 84 and didn't win a title until mid 90s

[tonight...you]

He doesn’t live on campus?
Several players and trainers live in my complex. It's a pretty choice place.

Edit: Forgot to say it's right next to East Campus.

[Mr. Body]

that Filipowski - Flagg - Kessler - Markannen lineup though

Maybe they can get Adam Caruso.

[KobesAchilles]

Dude is gonna look amazing next to Wemby in 2025. Back to back #1 picks for Atlanta and he is ours. I’m tired of Wemby playing with scrubs

[CGD]

Dude is gonna look amazing next to Wemby in 2025. Back to back #1 picks for Atlanta and he is ours. I’m tired of Wemby playing with scrubs

But let’s trade for Markennen!

[KobesAchilles]

But let’s trade for Markennen!
Why not both?

[BackHome]

I would rather have two chances then one chance

[exstatic]

I want to get pick one just to watch Danny Ainge drool, and then trade back a spot or two, flipping Flagg to someone else. Cry, Danny, cry.

[BatManu20]

Still just 17 years old. Kid's a lock to go #1.

1864533690375680039

1864534339150623172

[spursparker9]

Bottom 3 teams (best odds to get no.1 pick) now: Wiz, Jazz, Pelicans

[Uriel]

Would be such a dream to pair him with Wemby. We'd be a dynasty for a decade and a half :cry

[exstatic]

He’s shooting 23.3% from beyond the arc. His FT% s 69.6, so not a strong shooting signal.

I swear, the Venn diagram of posters complaining that we have too many non-shooters and those fanboying Flagg is a circle.

[John B]

He’s shooting 23.3% from beyond the arc. His FT% s 69.6, so not a strong shooting signal.

I swear, the Venn diagram of posters complaining that we have too many non-shooters and those fanboying Flagg is a circle.

What do you think of Asa Newell? Tankathon has him around 14th pick where Spurs could likely pick. Or Johnni Broome older at 23 yrs old but with more complete game including step-back 3’s :lol:lol

Boyles is intriguing and Pop could possibly fall in love with his Rodman-type defense, but fuck another 6’7 PF??

[baseline bum]

Bottom 3 teams (best odds to get no.1 pick) now: Wiz, Jazz, Pelicans

Would be hilarious to see Washington get the #1 pick so that Sarr moves to center.

[spurraider21]

everything we hope sochan can one day be, dialed up to 11

[Mugen]

He'd be a pretty perfect fit in Charlotte backing up my man Saluan tbh.

[LeBowen]

I hope Jazz get him just so the rest of the league can be outraged about Mormons getting the best white prospect in decades. :rollin

[scott]

Bottom 3 teams (best odds to get no.1 pick) now: Wiz, Jazz, Pelicans

Pels should try to get salvage value for Zion, get what they can for BI, and limit DJM for the rest of the year (he's back and DTD at this point).

[scott]

I hope Jazz get him just so the rest of the league can be outraged about Mormons getting the best white prospect in decades. :rollin

If Utah gets the #1 pick, I have a suggestion for some other deadline deals for them:

Send some SRPs to CHA for Micic
More SRPs to BOS for Prichard
Keyonte George to GSW for Podz
Sexton and John Collins to MIA for Herro
Whatever it takes for Grayson Allen
A gift card to Whataburger for Zach Collins

Micic/Pritchard
Herro/Podz
Lauri/Allen
Flagg/Flip
Kessler/Collins

Then the boomer who started the thread about how the NBA sucks now will have a new favorite team to follow

[Russo21]

What do you think of Asa Newell? Tankathon has him around 14th pick where Spurs could likely pick. Or Johnni Broome older at 23 yrs old but with more complete game including step-back 3’s :lol:lol

Boyles is intriguing and Pop could possibly fall in love with his Rodman-type defense, but fuck another 6’7 PF??

Pop? What's he got to do with it? The old fool is on his death bed being fed through a feeding tube and having his ass wiped by nursing staff and has a catheter helping him take a piss. He has nothing to do with anything anymore thankfully. He's as good as dead thankfully, but more funnily not, so he can live out the rest of his life brain-dead living in filth

[John B]

Pop? What's he got to do with it? The old fool is on his death bed being fed through a feeding tube and having his ass wiped by nursing staff and has a catheter helping him take a piss. He has nothing to do with anything anymore thankfully. He's as good as dead thankfully, but more funnily not, so he can live out the rest of his life brain-dead living in filth

Bruh get a life

[baseline bum]

Pels should try to get salvage value for Zion, get what they can for BI, and limit DJM for the rest of the year (he's back and DTD at this point).

I remember thinking they were stupid for not trading Zion at the 2023 draft. But then again I thought they should have done it to select Scoot. :lmao

Guess I'd probably rather have Scoot than Zion though gun to my head.

[Russo21]

Bruh get a life

Truth hurts sir? :cry stop with the Pop :cry nonsense. He's gone and will never be back. He's a braindead old guy who will never have anything to do with the organisation again. Heck he probably doesn't even know what this sport called basketball is at this point, probably can't even remember his dead wife Erin's name. He's gone, done and dusted

[Atl Spur]

Saying anything for attention?

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Truth hurts sir? :cry stop with the Pop :cry nonsense. He's gone and will never be back. He's a braindead old guy who will never have anything to do with the organisation again. Heck he probably doesn't even know what this sport called basketball is at this point, probably can't even remember his dead wife Erin's name. He's gone, done and dusted


kill yourself faggot

[BatManu20]

Pels should try to get salvage value for Zion, get what they can for BI, and limit DJM for the rest of the year (he's back and DTD at this point).

Not sure what the Pels are waiting for tbh. Guess they're just praying that he miraculously somehow turns it around and gets/stays healthy and suddenly develops any semblance of a work ethic, but it's not gonna happen. Everything he's shown us over the past 5 years is that he's lazy, selfish, and injury-prone. And diabolically horny too considering how many girl's DM's this guy lives in. They're better off cutting bait and getting what they can for him. But they're the Pels so they likely won't. Tbh New Orleans was such as terrible destination for a guy like him who loves to eat as much as he does. Dude is going to be balloon to 320 lbs within the next 5 years. Calling it now.

[LeBowen]

Not sure what the Pels are waiting for tbh. Guess they're just praying that he miraculously somehow turns it around and gets/stays healthy and suddenly develops any semblance of a work ethic, but it's not gonna happen. Everything he's shown us over the past 5 years is that he's lazy, selfish, and injury-prone. And diabolically horny too considering how many girl's DM's this guy lives in. They're better off cutting bait and getting what they can for him. But they're the Pels so they likely won't. Tbh New Orleans was such as terrible destination for a guy like him who loves to eat as much as he does. Dude is going to be balloon to 320 lbs within the next 5 years. Calling it now.



Last season, Williamson needed to miss fewer than 23 games to avoid his 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 salaries becoming non-guaranteed. He missed 53 games.

If Williamson passes six "weigh-in-checkpoints" during the 2024-25 season -- to pass, his body fat percentage and weight must add up to no more than 295 (i.e. if he weighs in at 285 pounds, he cannot exceed 10% body fat ) -- then 20% of his 2025-26 salary will become guaranteed.

If he plays in at least 41 games in 2024-25, another 40% of his 2025-26 salary will become guaranteed. If he plays in at least 51 games, another 20% would be guaranteed on top of that. If he plays in at least 61 games (and doesn't violate the weight clause), then his entire 2025-26 salary will be guaranteed.

The above markers are the same for the years that follow. In other words, by being available and passing the weight check-ins, he can guarantee his salary for the next season.
If Williamson has significant issues with his surgically repaired fifth metatarsal in his right foot (i.e. "a fracture or a stress injury to that bone or the healed callus" or "what the contract calls a 'hardware failure' related to the previous injury," per The Athletic) this season, then half of his 2024-25 salary will become non-guaranteed.


It's obvious noone wants him. They'll just cut him loose next summer.

[scott]

What a brutal contract this guy signed :lol

If he hasn't fired his agent by now, he should. Someone should have advised him against this... certainly there was a different option the table that might have had a lower ceiling but would have at least been guaranteed. What a hilariously bad deal for Zion, but can't say he doesn't deserve it.

The only city worse for Zion would be San Antonio :lol

[exstatic]

What a brutal contract this guy signed :lol

If he hasn't fired his agent by now, he should. Someone should have advised him against this... certainly there was a different option the table that might have had a lower ceiling but would have at least been guaranteed. What a hilariously bad deal for Zion, but can't say he doesn't deserve it.

The only city worse for Zion would be San Antonio :lol

Not signing him to that deal would have been an unacceptable risk for the Pels. He was already a major injury risk before his extension. The weight and injuries kind of go hand in hand.

So far, there have been no real consequences for him, other than year being unguaranteed. They’re still paying for him to be fat and out of shape, and to play less than half of their games.

[BacktoBasics]

Not signing him to that deal would have been an unacceptable risk for the Pels. He was already a major injury risk before his extension. The weight and injuries kind of go hand in hand.

So far, there have been no real consequences for him, other than year being unguaranteed. They’re still paying for him to be fat and out of shape, and to play less than half of their games.
The man needs a full time babysitter

[exstatic]

The man needs a full time babysitter

He’s in his sixth year, including the one totally lost to injury. If that’s where you are, and you still don’t have your shit together, it’s never going to happen. He’s exactly what he will always be.

[baseline bum]

Dude is going to be balloon to 320 lbs within the next 5 years. Calling it now.

You sure he wasn't already there in that Mountain Dew commercial?

[baseline bum]

What a brutal contract this guy signed :lol

If he hasn't fired his agent by now, he should. Someone should have advised him against this... certainly there was a different option the table that might have had a lower ceiling but would have at least been guaranteed. What a hilariously bad deal for Zion, but can't say he doesn't deserve it.

The only city worse for Zion would be San Antonio :lol

His agent probably brought him Pizza Hut to get him to sign.

[BackHome]

The writing was on the wall they should have cut bait a lot sooner when they could have maybe gotten something in return

[baseline bum]

The writing was on the wall they should have cut bait a lot sooner when they could have maybe gotten something in return

I wonder if they got offered anything interesting in the summer of 2023 when he was supposedly on the trade block. I thought they should have traded him to Charlotte or try to work some way to get Portland's pick, but he probably didn't have the kind of trade value to pull that off. I'd only trade for him as a salary dump of Zollins and Keldon and then cut his ass in the summer.

[exstatic]

The writing was on the wall they should have cut bait a lot sooner when they could have maybe gotten something in return

He’s a trap. You play him, trying to increase his value, so he does pretty good and you then want to keep him. Then he misses a half or whole season.

[BatManu20]

This kid was 17 years old a couple weeks ago. Pairing him with Wemby would likely create a dynasty for years to come. I'm all in on the tank boys. #CaptureTheFlagg

1878158938237022549

a27WwwIBrTk

[LeBowen]

This kid was 17 years old a couple weeks ago. Pairing him with Wemby would likely create a dynasty for years to come. I'm all in on the tank boys. #CaptureTheFlagg

I know you're probably trolling, but even if we lost every single game for the rest of the season we still wouldn't get top5 odds.
After that, it doesn't even matter.

I just hope Utah gets him, imagine the outrage around the league if Mormons led by Danny Ainge of all people get the next great white hope. :lol

[Mr. Body]

I have a weird feeling about Flagg. He's really good, obviously, but I keep getting Zion or RJ Barrett vibes, other freshmen who were dominant against bad ACC opponents. I watch him play really well and wonder if it will translate fully. Is he actually a franchise player? I hope so. The last white American All-Star in the NBA was like Brad Miller, lol.

[BatManu20]

I know you're probably trolling, but even if we lost every single game for the rest of the season we still wouldn't get top5 odds.
After that, it doesn't even matter.

I just hope Utah gets him, imagine the outrage around the league if Mormons led by Danny Ainge of all people get the next great white hope. :lol

Yea there's zero chance we get Flagg :lol. But goddamn could you imagine he and Wemby together for the next 15 years? Would be nuts.

I'd be fine with Utah landing him. Anyone but Houston or Philly tbh. Or Brooklyn for that matter.

[BackHome]

Yeah, I am still holding out hope that the Hawks pick gets us a top 5 pick this year as we need upgrades in a major way. This team needs so many upgrades as far as our starting unit are concerned.

[jesterbobman]

Both Kirilenko and Marion were all star level impact guys in their time, and he's got that kind of skillset defensively, plus more on ball juice than either of them. He's a better defensive prospect than an offensive one (even with the 42 today).

Also - He's moved up a year, he's dominating guys who are almost universally older than he is, Duke is good (so it's not just empty stats).

[SpursBills]

Don't want to overreact to one game but Cooper Flagg is definitely going to be white Larry Bird tbh


In all seriousness, I don't think he's a generational prospect or anything but he's a pretty strong #1 overall and his age-adjusted production puts him in the top 10 freshmen in the last 20 years. Guys like Mobley and Chet were 1.5 years older than he is as freshmen and he doesn't have the glaring health or character red flags of someone like Zion (weight), Chet/Mobley (build), desire to play basketball (Michael Beasley)

I'd probably put him in the Simmons-KAT-Cade tier as a prospect above Paolo/Kyrie and below Wemby/Zion/AD in the last 15 years

[exstatic]

Don't want to overreact to one game but Cooper Flagg is definitely going to be white Larry Bird tbh


In all seriousness, I don't think he's a generational prospect or anything but he's a pretty strong #1 overall and his age-adjusted production puts him in the top 10 freshmen in the last 20 years. Guys like Mobley and Chet were 1.5 years older than he is as freshmen and he doesn't have the glaring health or character red flags of someone like Zion (weight), Chet/Mobley (build), desire to play basketball (Michael Beasley)

I'd probably put him in the Simmons-KAT-Cade tier as a prospect above Paolo/Kyrie and below Wemby/Zion/AD in the last 15 years

Larry Bird was white, himself.

[SpursBills]

Larry Bird was white, himself.

:lol good lord, dude

[exstatic]

:lol good lord, dude

Good lord I spotted a redundancy in your post? Is he also going to be a breathing Larry Bird? Because Larry also breathed.

You also said he wasn’t generational, but was going to be Larry Bird. That’s a contradiction.

[KingKev]

Hahah Larry Bird was kind of a brother though.

[CGD]

Id obviously love Flagg, but would be really happy if landed Harper somehow.

[scott]

Good lord I spotted a redundancy in your post? Is he also going to be a breathing Larry Bird? Because Larry also breathed.

You also said he wasn’t generational, but was going to be Larry Bird. That’s a contradiction.

When someone says something, immediately followed by the words "in all seriousness", the typical implication is that the previous statement wasn't serious.

I'm finally coming to understand that English must not be your first language. It all makes sense now.

[scott]

Id obviously love Flagg, but would be really happy if landed Harper somehow.

Honestly, I don't want either of these guys and not because they aren't good prospects.

I don't think Flagg or Harper (or anyone else from this class, frankly) is going to have the kind of immediate impact that we've seen from recent picks like Wemby, Paolo, Ant, Ja, etc. That isn't meant to be a diss on these guys, but I think they'll take a couple of seasons to be able to contribute at a high level on a team with playoff aspirations, and I think that will send the Spurs into a trap.

Let's say we did get lucky in the lottery and land the #1 or #2 pick. I think that could work IF we still aggressively pursued vet talent and a #2 for the team. Unfortunately, I think what would more likely happen is that the Spurs would feel that they're picking their #2, elect to "be patient and see what we have" and wait for that guy to develop. By then, you'll have wasted Wemby's non-Max years, which I'd hate to see.

It would be an ultra-conservative, ultra-patient approach that I wouldn't go as far to say would "backfire", but I think it would lead to suboptimal usage of the truly one-of-a-kind talent we have on the team now in Wemby.

Just my opinion.

[exstatic]

When someone says something, immediately followed by the words "in all seriousness", the typical implication is that the previous statement wasn't serious.

I'm finally coming to understand that English must not be your first language. It all makes sense now.

So, he’s not going to be a white Larry Bird? What color will he be?

The ‘in all seriousness’ was in the next paragraph. The Larry Bird nonsense was all alone in the first paragraph.

[scott]

So, he’s not going to be a white Larry Bird? What color will he be?

The ‘in all seriousness’ was in the next paragraph. The Larry Bird nonsense was all alone in the first paragraph.


:lol good lord, dude

[scott]

What it must be like talking to exstatic in real life:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx1GVC8eTkA

[benefactor]

What it must be like talking to exstatic in real life:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx1GVC8eTkA
:lol

[Gibbz]

I have a weird feeling about Flagg. He's really good, obviously, but I keep getting Zion or RJ Barrett vibes

Barrett isn't in the conversation with Flagg and Zion. Zion's failure in the league is a health/dedication issue. All signs point to Flagg being a well-rounded star--something you could never say about Zion (short, bad FT shooter) and certainly not RJ Barrett.

[cutewizard]

Tank tank tank

[KobesAchilles]

I think Flagg would be the perfect pick for us. He isn’t a franchise player but man he would be a great #2 player. He just fills a lot of gaps that we have. He shoots 80% from the line so you know he has that capacity to become a 3 point shooter. And he will be too big and strong and fast for most people to defend him

[LeBowen]

I think Flagg would be the perfect pick for us. He isn’t a franchise player but man he would be a great #2 player. He just fills a lot of gaps that we have. He shoots 80% from the line so you know he has that capacity to become a 3 point shooter. And he will be too big and strong and fast for most people to defend him

A big wing would be a perfect pair for Wemby, more at 8. :lol

I still think Wemby's #2 should be a Markkanen type wing. Easier said than done, but still.
6'9+ elite 3pt shooter that's not a negative on defense and we're good to go with some more high end role players.

Hopefully either Markkanen is available this summer or Suns blow it up and we get KD.

[baseline bum]

I have a weird feeling about Flagg. He's really good, obviously, but I keep getting Zion or RJ Barrett vibes, other freshmen who were dominant against bad ACC opponents. I watch him play really well and wonder if it will translate fully. Is he actually a franchise player? I hope so. The last white American All-Star in the NBA was like Brad Miller, lol.

I don't get Zion vibes at all. Zion's a lazy fuck drafted into a perfect situation who pissed away one in a billion talent. The fact that Flagg is such a high end defender tells you he has probably worked like a dog for all the success he has had. Bailey is the only guy I worry about bust potential with at the top of this lottery.

[SpursBills]

Honestly, I don't want either of these guys and not because they aren't good prospects.

I don't think Flagg or Harper (or anyone else from this class, frankly) is going to have the kind of immediate impact that we've seen from recent picks like Wemby, Paolo, Ant, Ja, etc. That isn't meant to be a diss on these guys, but I think they'll take a couple of seasons to be able to contribute at a high level on a team with playoff aspirations, and I think that will send the Spurs into a trap.

Let's say we did get lucky in the lottery and land the #1 or #2 pick. I think that could work IF we still aggressively pursued vet talent and a #2 for the team. Unfortunately, I think what would more likely happen is that the Spurs would feel that they're picking their #2, elect to "be patient and see what we have" and wait for that guy to develop. By then, you'll have wasted Wemby's non-Max years, which I'd hate to see.

It would be an ultra-conservative, ultra-patient approach that I wouldn't go as far to say would "backfire", but I think it would lead to suboptimal usage of the truly one-of-a-kind talent we have on the team now in Wemby.

Just my opinion.

Just because I'm bored, I've got a hypothetical for you that would never ever happen but let's say just for fun. Stars align and Spurs get #1 overall yet again. What would it take for you to give up the #1 overall either in a trade down to late lottery/late first?

For example, are you giving that up if Presti dials you up for JDub? How about if Weltman in Orlando comes in offering Franz Wagner? Or if Stevens puts Jalen Brown on the table as the centerpiece?

EDIT: This hypothetical would be for either Flagg or Harper, whichever you like better

[scott]

Just because I'm bored, I've got a hypothetical for you that would never ever happen but let's say just for fun. Stars align and Spurs get #1 overall yet again. What would it take for you to give up the #1 overall either in a trade down to late lottery/late first?

For example, are you giving that up if Presti dials you up for JDub? How about if Weltman in Orlando comes in offering Franz Wagner? Or if Stevens puts Jalen Brown on the table as the centerpiece?

EDIT: This hypothetical would be for either Flagg or Harper, whichever you like better

Man, that's really tough. The specific players you mention are difficult, because they're all either on a max or about to be on a max, which has to go into my calculus.

If I'm the GM, here are my preferred pathways:

1. Take Flagg or Harper (for this exercise, doesn't matter which one) and then make another acquisition where I overpay if I have to for another star.


Booker, Fox, Markkanen would be the top 3 I can think of right now would might reasonably be available (the guys you mentioned would likely not be available in any circumstance short of Flagg or Harper being viewed as generational). I'm talking about putting Vassell, Sochan, and all of our excess picks on the table.


Example trade: Vassell + Sochan + 2/3 FRPs for Fox

New hypothetical lineup #1:

Fox/Tre Jones
Castle/TBD
Champ/Keldon (but actually TBD)
Flagg/Barnes
Wemby/TBD

As you can see, I'm resigning Tre to be the backup PG (unless CP3 is willing to be the backup), and I've got 3 other acquisitions I need to make this offseason: backup SG, backup C and upgrading Keldon. Maybe one of those spots is a Liam McNeely or Drake Powell if the draft capital to get Fox is future picks not 2025 picks.

Hypothetical lineup #2:

CP3/Tre
Castle/TBD
Markkanen/Champ
Flagg/Barnes
Wemby/TBD

or

Harper/Tre
Castle/TBD
Markkanen/Champ
Barnes/TBD
Wemby/TBD

The first Lauri lineup I might like the best, though it still leaves unanswered questions about the future of the PG position. The third lineup is also interesting as well, but I probably prefer the first or second.


2. Trade the #1 or #2 pick.



I don't think I'd want to do something like Jaylen Brown and pick #29 for #1. I'm out on that, and not because of Jaylen Brown (who I actually am a fan of). If OKC wants to do JWill and say pick #8 from Philly (we're making a lot of assumptions here... and I don't think Philly actually ends up with pick #8)... then I've got something to think about.

But what if it's something like ATL (via SAC) at Pick #4 and they are offering up that and Jalen Johnson and another future pick? Hmmmmm.... again, now I have something to think about. Say I do that and get Jalen Johnson's flat 5/150. I take Egor or Kasparas at #4, and then I still go out and try to trade Vassell and Sochan to upgrade the roster. (Note: it should be clear by now that I'm interested in getting rid of Vassell, but why Sochan? I actually really like what Sochan has done this year, but I think there is a major compatibility issue if Castle is going to be part of our core. Basically, I'm choosing Castle over Jeremy).

What if the resulting roster is:

Egor/Tre
Castle/TBD
Jalen Johnson/Champ
Kevin Durant/Barnes
Wemby/TBD

You could also make still go for Lauri and insert him for KD?

In this case, I'm still choosing scenario #1, but it's a lot closer than the scenarios you threw out there


3. Take Flagg or Harper and don't make any major moves.



This is my least favorite scenario, but what I would expect the Spurs to do. It's hard to complain too much about this because it would still be AWESOME and it would mean we've been blessed yet again by the basketball gods. But I think the resulting lineup would be:

CP3/Tre/Wesley
Vassell/Castle/Branham
Sochan/Keldon/Champ
Flagg/Barnes/TBD
Wemby/TBD/Collins

I could 1000% see the Spurs doing this, and it would be hard to not be excited about that or blame them... but I think it would be suboptimal. This team isn't just Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper away from being a contender. The same weaknesses that we have right now will still be there, in fact maybe even amplified because we'll have yet another non-shooter as part of our core rotation.

Maybe instead we go Harper?

Harper/Tre/Wesley
Vassell/Castle/Branham
Sochan/Champ/TBD
Barnes/Keldon/TBD
Wemby/TBD/Collins

Again... something to get excited about... but all the problems with Vassell and our depth still exist.


At the end of the day, it's a matter of trust with this FO. I think their "patience" mantra is just a little too complacent. With that said, they are the pros and I'm just a fan. But my fandom does grant me license to voice my opinions of what I would prefer they do instead.

That was a fun thought experiment, thanks homie!

[spurs1990]

Flagg may be a white version of Larry Bird at this rate

[TheBallsbreakers]

Flagg may be a white version of Larry Bird at this rate
Because Bird was black?

[Splits]

If we get the #1 gotta get me one of these: https://www.oflynncustomcreations.com/product-page/50-star-copper-flag

[pad300]

Just because I'm bored, I've got a hypothetical for you that would never ever happen but let's say just for fun. Stars align and Spurs get #1 overall yet again. What would it take for you to give up the #1 overall either in a trade down to late lottery/late first?

For example, are you giving that up if Presti dials you up for JDub? How about if Weltman in Orlando comes in offering Franz Wagner? Or if Stevens puts Jalen Brown on the table as the centerpiece?

EDIT: This hypothetical would be for either Flagg or Harper, whichever you like better

Not so sure about Harper, but Flagg is living up to the hype. You don't trade Flagg on a rookie contract for anything short of an MVP candidate (Jokic, Giannis, Doncic, SGA, Tatum) back IMO...


Yes, the MVP candidate is a better player (currently), but contract salary and effective years of control matter.

[scott]

Not so sure about Harper, but Flagg is living up to the hype. You don't trade Flagg on a rookie contract for anything short of an MVP candidate (Jokic, Giannis, Doncic, SGA, Tatum) back IMO...


Yes, the MVP candidate is a better player (currently), but contract salary and effective years of control matter.

I get your point, but I think this is overrating Flagg quite a bit IMO. I think there is the LeBron/Wemby tier of #1 picks, then you get to the Zion/AD tier, then the Paolo tier... and I think I'd put Flagg probably in that tier (with Paolo probably slightly ahead). Obviously, still a lot of All NBA (and future HOF) caliber players out of those tiers... but I don't rate Flagg as some kind of generational can't-miss prospect. Higher floor than some others, but a much lower ceiling, IMO as well. His median outcome is probably something like an 18/8 guy who plays solid defense.

[spurraider21]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zFo5bFO2RQ

[scott]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zFo5bFO2RQ

You know Larry Bird is white, right?

[pad300]

I get your point, but I think this is overrating Flagg quite a bit IMO. I think there is the LeBron/Wemby tier of #1 picks, then you get to the Zion/AD tier, then the Paolo tier... and I think I'd put Flagg probably in that tier (with Paolo probably slightly ahead) . Obviously, still a lot of All NBA (and future HOF) caliber players out of those tiers... but I don't rate Flagg as some kind of generational can't-miss prospect. Higher floor than some others, but a much lower ceiling, IMO as well. His median outcome is probably something like an 18/8 guy who plays solid defense.

I'd urge you to reconsider that assessment. Compare their seasons in CBB.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=cooper-flagg--paolo-banchero

Let see. Cooper is a year younger. Had a slower start (on offense) to the season and has been improving ever since. Cooper plays both ends (Banchero isn't much defensively), and is GOOD at both ends of the floor. Either being younger or defending would bump him up a tier; with both?!?

I'll give you that I don't think Flagg is in the Wemby/Lebron/Doncic tier as a prospect (although he's working on it). But he's in the Zion/AD tier:

https://x.com/freewave3/status/1878193949837271203

[scott]

I'd urge you to reconsider that assessment. Compare their seasons in CBB.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=cooper-flagg--paolo-banchero

Let see. Cooper is a year younger. Had a slower start (on offense) to the season and has been improving ever since. Cooper plays both ends (Banchero isn't much defensively), and is GOOD at both ends of the floor. Either being younger or defending would bump him up a tier; with both?!?

I'll give you that I don't think Flagg is in the Wemby/Lebron/Doncic tier as a prospect (although he's working on it). But he's in the Zion/AD tier:

https://x.com/freewave3/status/1878193949837271203

Certainly my opinion could change as the season progresses, but I am just not seeing it. The defending is definitely a huge plus but the lack of shooting is a major minus for me, though I do see that Flagg has picked it up in that area as of late. I'll do another evaluation after the season and I wouldn't be surprised if I bump him up. On paper, you're right though - he probably deserves to be ahead of Paolo (though I'd still have him behind the Zion/AD tier... though again... all subject to change)

[Kevin]

Paulo had better size and all around offense. When determining a players value offense is usually before defense and even without the benefit of hindsight Paulo is/was the safer bet. Paulo had a slightly higher all around floor as a 15/8 big man with average defense and good shooting efficiency. Flagg's floor is a 15/8 SF with shooting issues and very good defense. You take your chances on the 6'10 PF who can hit the three instead of the 6'9 SF with a questionable three ball. Easy call.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=cooper-flagg--paolo-banchero--zach-collins

[spurraider21]

I have a weird feeling about Flagg. He's really good, obviously, but I keep getting Zion or RJ Barrett vibes, other freshmen who were dominant against bad ACC opponents. I watch him play really well and wonder if it will translate fully. Is he actually a franchise player? I hope so. The last white American All-Star in the NBA was like Brad Miller, lol.
you had the contrarian take on him a while ago, so i get it, but i think basically off those notions should have been dispelled by now given how good he's been at duke

[SpursBills]

Paulo had better size and all around offense. When determining a players value offense is usually before defense and even without the benefit of hindsight Paulo is/was the safer bet. Paulo had a slightly higher all around floor as a 15/8 big man with average defense and good shooting efficiency. Flagg's floor is a 15/8 SF with shooting issues and very good defense. You take your chances on the 6'10 PF who can hit the three instead of the 6'9 SF with a questionable three ball. Easy call.

I'll reserve full judgement on Flagg until closer to end of season, but just wondering why Paolo's floor was having "good shooting efficiency" while Flagg's is one having "shooting issues" when Flagg has the same 3 point percentage, higher 3 point volume, and a higher free throw percentage while being one year younger with no glaring mechanical issues in his shot?

And I would argue that a 15/8 elite defender with a decent shot is easier to fit into a team concept compared to a 15/8 ok defender who is best used as a high-usage creator, so for me it's not quite as easy a call.

[mo7888]

I get your point, but I think this is overrating Flagg quite a bit IMO. I think there is the LeBron/Wemby tier of #1 picks, then you get to the Zion/AD tier, then the Paolo tier... and I think I'd put Flagg probably in that tier (with Paolo probably slightly ahead). Obviously, still a lot of All NBA (and future HOF) caliber players out of those tiers... but I don't rate Flagg as some kind of generational can't-miss prospect. Higher floor than some others, but a much lower ceiling, IMO as well. His median outcome is probably something like an 18/8 guy who plays solid defense.

I think Flagg is somewhere between AD and Wemby myself.

[Vienna]

I have a weird feeling about Flagg. He's really good, obviously, but I keep getting Zion or RJ Barrett vibes, other freshmen who were dominant against bad ACC opponents. I watch him play really well and wonder if it will translate fully. Is he actually a franchise player? I hope so. The last white American All-Star in the NBA was like Brad Miller, lol.

Kevin Love….but yeah, not exactly last season either.

[Kevin]

I'll reserve full judgement on Flagg until closer to end of season, but just wondering why Paolo's floor was having "good shooting efficiency" while Flagg's is one having "shooting issues" when Flagg has the same 3 point percentage, higher 3 point volume, and a higher free throw percentage while being one year younger with no glaring mechanical issues in his shot?

And I would argue that a 15/8 elite defender with a decent shot is easier to fit into a team concept compared to a 15/8 ok defender who is best used as a high-usage creator, so for me it's not quite as easy a call.

Paulo is the better shooter relative to his position and had the size to move to C which would make his shooting more deadly. If Flagg’s jumper doesn’t improve he becomes a rich man’s Sochan.

[SpursBills]

Paulo is the better shooter relative to his position and had the size to move to C which would make his shooting more deadly. If Flagg’s jumper doesn’t improve he becomes a rich man’s Sochan.

I guess we are going to have to disagree here when it comes to team building philosophy. If we're going to be that pessimistic with Flagg's projected shooting, we have to apply a similar condition to Banchero's worst case. What does an average-defending non-shooting scoring power forward get you? Rich man's Derrick Williams? Poor man's Julius Randle? I might honestly take the rich man's Sochan if I had to choose I think.

[Kevin]

I guess we are going to have to disagree here when it comes to team building philosophy. If we're going to be that pessimistic with Flagg's projected shooting, we have to apply a similar condition to Banchero's worst case. What does an average-defending non-shooting scoring power forward get you? Rich man's Derrick Williams? Poor man's Julius Randle? I might honestly take the rich man's Sochan if I had to choose I think.


Paulo’s shooting wasn’t that bad for a PF. Solid rebounder and a decent defender. Better two way bet. Wings rely more on their jumpers than bigs.

[SpursBills]

Paulo’s shooting wasn’t that bad for a PF. Solid rebounder and a decent defender. Better two way bet. Wings rely more on their jumpers than bigs.

I would argue that your position is determined based on who you can defend. With that in mind, I have much more faith in Flagg playing the PF position at the next level and functioning as a secondary rim protector (4.5 BLK%/3 STL%, 6'9" with a 7 foot wing span) vs Banchero's ability to play center and primary rim deterrent (2.7 BLK%/1.9 STL%, 6'10" with a 7' 0.5" wingspan)

Ultimately, I view them both as big wings - Flagg's is of the Grant Hill/Tatum flavor while Banchero's is of the Carmelo flavor. I'm not sure the gap between them is that wide, but I don't think it's as easy a call as you seem to make it appear, and certainly not in Banchero's favor when all the numbers seem to suggest otherwise.

[Kevin]

I would argue that your position is determined based on who you can defend. With that in mind, I have much more faith in Flagg playing the PF position at the next level and functioning as a secondary rim protector (4.5 BLK%/3 STL%, 6'9" with a 7 foot wing span) vs Banchero's ability to play center and primary rim deterrent (2.7 BLK%/1.9 STL%, 6'10" with a 7' 0.5" wingspan)

Ultimately, I view them both as big wings - Flagg's is of the Grant Hill/Tatum flavor while Banchero's is of the Carmelo flavor. I'm not sure the gap between them is that wide, but I don't think it's as easy a call as you seem to make it appear, and certainly not in Banchero's favor when all the numbers seem to suggest otherwise.

Their shooting numbers are nearly identical but Paulo has better size. I see Paulo as a PF/C and Flagg as a SF/PF. There's more pressure on Flagg's jumper. Flagg has better defense which gives him a higher role player floor but his jumper relative to his position also makes it less likely he'll reach his full potential.

[Uriel]

I don't get why people are so hung up on Flagg's race. White, black, doesn't matter, the dude is a straight up baller.

[mo7888]

I don't get why people are so hung up on Flagg's race. White, black, doesn't matter, the dude is a straight up baller.

Yup...and he's elite on D. He'll be the 2nd best player drafted 1st in the last 10 years at least.

[scott]

Who's hung up on his race?

[baseline bum]

Yup...and he's elite on D. He'll be the 2nd best player drafted 1st in the last 10 years at least.

Damn Simmons - Fultz - Ayton - Zion has to be the longest streak of busts at #1 we have ever seen.

[scott]

Damn Simmons - Fultz - Ayton - Zion has to be the longest streak of busts at #1 we have ever seen.

Meanwhile, Brown-Tatum-Luka-Ja would have been a pretty elite run of #1 picks had the teams with the #1 pick just been better at their jobs (though I don't think anyone would have passed on Zion). LOL @ the Sixers passing on Brown and Tatum to take Simmons and Fultz :lol

[baseline bum]

Meanwhile, Brown-Tatum-Luka-Ja would have been a pretty elite run of #1 picks had the teams with the #1 pick just been better at their jobs (though I don't think anyone would have passed on Zion). LOL @ the Sixers passing on Brown and Tatum to take Simmons and Fultz :lol

Turns out that red flag about Simmons not even being able to get LSU to the NCAA tournament was 100% on point. But damn did he look amazing to the eye test.

[baseline bum]

LOL @ the Sixers passing on Brown and Tatum to take Simmons and Fultz :lol

I still think Phoenix, Sacramento, and Atlanta are the teams who deserve the harshest scoffs though. Luka should have been an obvious #1 pick being MVP in a league that hates playing 18 year olds and leading his team to the second most prestigious championship in the world and Bill Simmons was the only one calling it. I think that was more impressive than even Anthony Davis' resume entering the draft.

[spurraider21]

1878930763363799509

[exstatic]

1878930763363799509

Zion, Chet,and Evan have Zero All NBA selections.

[spurraider21]

Zion, Chet,and Evan have Zero All NBA selections.
this response is giving me an aneurysm

[exstatic]

this response is giving me an aneurysm


If Cooper Flagg maintains his current production for the rest of the season, he'll enter a historic intersection of youth, offensive and defensive production that has produced nothing but All-NBA players.

It’s a direct response to the text within the tweet. There were 5 players highlighted, plus Flagg. Of those 5, only 2 had been selected as All NBA. That’s hardly “nothing but All NBA players”. Of the other 3, only Zion had been selected as an All Star, twice, but one of those couldn’t happen now, due to insufficient games played. Chet and Evan have never even been All Star selections.

[spurraider21]

It’s a direct response to the text within the tweet. There were 5 players highlighted, plus Flagg. Of those 5, only 2 had been selected as All NBA. That’s hardly “nothing but All NBA players”. Of the other 3, only Zion had been selected as an All Star, twice, but one of those couldn’t happen now, due to insufficient games played. Chet and Evan have never even been All Star selections.
I think you reasonably would take the tweet at describing the caliber of player/prospect. Chet has only been eligible for all nba during his rookie* year. His inclusion in the list should have keyed the reader to that

[exstatic]

I think you reasonably would take the tweet at describing the caliber of player/prospect. Chet has only been eligible for all nba during his rookie* year. His inclusion in the list should have keyed the reader to that

That’s not even close to what it said. Didn’t mention ‘prospects’. Did say ‘produces nothing but All NBA players’. Pure hyperbole and easily debunked with about 5 minutes research. Sorry about your aneurysm. You should get that looked at.

[spurraider21]

That’s not even close to what it said. Didn’t mention ‘prospects’. Did say ‘produces nothing but All NBA players’. Pure hyperbole and easily debunked with about 5 minutes research. Sorry about your aneurysm. You should get that looked at.
You’re being pedantic. The point of the tweet was not about drafting accolades but projecting the quality of player

[exstatic]

You’re being pedantic. The point of the tweet was not about drafting accolades but projecting the quality of player

It’s about projecting Flagg as a prospective All NBA player based on a mold where a whopping 40% of the examples/comps actually are All NBA selections. I’m not sure why you’re so hell bent on defending this Twitter idiot. It’s him I’m raking, not you.

[The Truth #6]

40% chance to get an All NBA player is bad?

[exstatic]

40% chance to get an All NBA player is bad?

That’s not what the tweet says, but I would take it in a minute. I’m also more pro Flagg as his shooting improves. At one point he was shooting like 24%, and I was thinking that was worse than Castle shot at UConn. If he can adjust to the further line and better defenders/close outs and shoot like 36%, he’s going to be a really fucking good two way player.

[Ice009]

Who is the poster here that mentioned he lives in the same building as Cooper? Just curious if you get to interact with him to see what type of person he is off the court?

[BatManu20]

1876801101762109441

[Spursfanfromafar]

Just 18 and very good at defense plus improving in offense quicker than expected. Flagg is going to be an A prospect at the very least and A+ if he improves further. I hope the Spurs get lucky with either the Hawks or its own pick. Let's see.

[BatManu20]

1X4gpiuwDco

[BatManu20]

We want it. He wants it. Make it happen Silver.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GkhPZ0WXYAAlJ8k?format=jpg&name=medium

[Ice009]

Alright, so maybe that is why the Spurs have saved the Number 2.

[spursparker9]

liked by the real flagg ? :lol

Let's get flagg and that 2026 expected number 1 pick AJ something guy

[scott]

Spurs gonna land #10 and #11 in the lotto, but Cooper Flagg is going to threaten the Hornets with going back to Duke and force them to trade the #1 pick for our picks and Blake Wesley, tbh

[I'm not serious about this...... or am I?]

[montgod]

Spurs gonna land #10 and #11 in the lotto, but Cooper Flagg is going to threaten the Hornets with going back to Duke and force them to trade the #1 pick for our picks and Blake Wesley, tbh

[I'm not serious about this...... or am I?]

Lol... I think I read that Flagg wanted to go to the Nets surprisingly. I could be wrong though :wtf

Yeah I was wrong. He threatened to return to Duke during that interview lol. I'm definitely all for that trade though haha

[mo7888]

Spurs gonna land #10 and #11 in the lotto, but Cooper Flagg is going to threaten the Hornets with going back to Duke and force them to trade the #1 pick for our picks and Blake Wesley, tbh

[I'm not serious about this...... or am I?]

My guess is 8 and 10. Also, I'd love to see Flagg flex like that..

[baseline bum]

Spurs gonna land #10 and #11 in the lotto, but Cooper Flagg is going to threaten the Hornets with going back to Duke and force them to trade the #1 pick for our picks and Blake Wesley, tbh

[I'm not serious about this...... or am I?]

Dybantsa is the one I could see doing that since (1) he's making big money at BYU and (2) he went to Paris to watch Victor and the Spurs. So hopefully he pulls a Kobe.

[scott]

Dybantsa is the one I could see doing that since (1) he's making big money at BYU and (2) he went to Paris to watch Victor and the Spurs. So hopefully he pulls a Kobe.

Cooper's NIL deal this year is $4.8MM (AJ's next year is reported at $7MM), but it's speculated Cooper's deal if he returned next year would be a minimum of $16MM.

Honestly I think this is a really underdiscussed impact that the NIL stuff may have on things. It definitely gives the top incoming players new leverage to force their way out of undesirable locations. Could see Eli Manning-like situations become pretty common in pro sports.

Edit: link to the $16MM number: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/comparing-cooper-flaggs-nil-value-potential-nba-rookie-contract-after-hinting-another-year-duke/cf6bd849a402291bda8bbe38#:~:text=Of%20course%2C%20 Flagg%20has%20the,that%20number%20will%20only%20gr ow.

Edit 2: looks like the "source" of the $16MM number is just a tweet that says that's what he'd *need* to get to make more than a #1 pick contract. So not actually speculation. But... I wonder if Duke boosters and sponsors couldn't scrounge up the $16MM. Something to watch going forward.

[Seventyniner]

Cooper's NIL deal this year is $4.8MM (AJ's next year is reported at $7MM), but it's speculated Cooper's deal if he returned next year would be a minimum of $16MM.

Honestly I think this is a really underdiscussed impact that the NIL stuff may have on things. It definitely gives the top incoming players new leverage to force their way out of undesirable locations. Could see Eli Manning-like situations become pretty common in pro sports.

Edit: link to the $16MM number: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/comparing-cooper-flaggs-nil-value-potential-nba-rookie-contract-after-hinting-another-year-duke/cf6bd849a402291bda8bbe38#:~:text=Of%20course%2C%20 Flagg%20has%20the,that%20number%20will%20only%20gr ow.

$16M is significant because that's more than the #1 pick salary slot. imo that's the point at which players might consider staying: when they stand to make as much or more money.

The NBA can avoid these games by putting the draft declaration date before the lottery, but I don't know if the players' union would have to approve such a change.

[scott]

$16M is significant because that's more than the #1 pick salary slot. imo that's the point at which players might consider staying: when they stand to make as much or more money.

The NBA can avoid these games by putting the draft declaration date before the lottery, but I don't know if the players' union would have to approve such a change.

I added another edit to my post about the $16MM number, but I agree on all your points.

This is an interesting wrinkle. Might amount to nothing... but it's something to think about for now!

[BatManu20]

Cooper Flagg is more likely to return to Duke than to play for the Hornets, per @BovadaOfficial (https://x.com/BovadaOfficial)
Duke +290
Hornets +550
Wizards +550
Jazz +550
Pelicans +650
Nets +800
76ers +1000
Raptors +1100
Bulls +1400

Imagine tanking all season long for Flagg just for him to return to Duke for a year lol. Won't happen, but would be pretty hilarious tbh.

[baseline bum]

Imagine tanking all season long for Flgg just for him to return to Duke afore year lol. Won't happen, but would be pretty hilarious tbh.

1899109482786857430

If college players got NIL money back then I bet Zion would have done exactly that if NOP didn't make a trade with the Knicks.

[BatManu20]

If college players got NIL money back then I bet Zion would have done exactly that if NOP didn't make a trade with the Knicks.

You might be right. NOP was legit the worst possible destination for him, from being one of the smallest markets in the league, to the plethora of rich southern food options, to the questionable medical staff/injury history of every player that plays there, etc. I also think Zion is just lazy, but being in an environment like that certainly didn't do him any favors tbh.

[benefactor]

Flagg just went down with a pretty nasty looking ankle injury.

[BatManu20]

Yikes. Hopefully just a sprain and nothing more. He's back in the locker room now.

1900228016220836012

1900227524212174900

[LeBowen]

That's why anyone who entertained the thought of him staying at Duke for another year is a moron.
One wrong step and you're gone.

#1 pick rookie contract guarantees like $60M at this point, noone is rejecting that money even if they have to play for the Hornets.

[exstatic]

It won’t matter. He’ll be #1, even if he goes across the stage on crutches.

Hopefully this will wake his ass up from the foolishness of staying another year. There is a difference between alums raising an unheard of amount of NIL money like the $15Mfloated, and a guaranteed 4/$55 like Risacher got this year. He’s screwed if he stays and gets injured.

[Rosewood]

It won’t matter. He’ll be #1, even if he goes across the stage on crutches.

Hopefully this will wake his ass up from the foolishness of staying another year. There is a difference between alums raising an unheard of amount of NIL money like the $15Mfloated, and a guaranteed 4/$55 like Risacher got this year. He’s screwed if he stays and gets injured.
Yeah I’d like to think this helps him fall to the Spurs but probably has no effect on his draft position at all.

[scott]

Cooper Flagg's Draft Protection Insurance agency on pins and needles right now

[Robz4000]

Back on the court tbh.

[spurraider21]

well, he walked back to the bench. still ruled out

[Ice009]

It won’t matter. He’ll be #1, even if he goes across the stage on crutches.

Hopefully this will wake his ass up from the foolishness of staying another year. There is a difference between alums raising an unheard of amount of NIL money like the $15Mfloated, and a guaranteed 4/$55 like Risacher got this year. He’s screwed if he stays and gets injured.

Is there talk about him not entering the draft?

[Gibbz]

Is there talk about him not entering the draft?

One of the gambling books gave him higher odds of returning to Duke than playing for the Wiz or Hornets but I don't know if it means anything. He's also teased running it back a couple times.

I think it's all smoke, though.

[BatManu20]

One of the gambling books gave him higher odds of returning to Duke than playing for the Wiz or Hornets but I don't know if it means anything. He's also teased running it back a couple times.

I think it's all smoke, though.

Yea there's no way he turns down that kind of money to stay at Duke for another year. He's gone, even if it's to the Wiz, Hornets, Pelicans, etc.

[Ice009]

OK, interesting. When can he pull out of the draft? Since you mentioned Wizards and Hornets, maybe there is some truth to it. If certain teams get the number 1 pick, maybe he doesn't want to play for them at all.

[Mr. Body]

One of the gambling books gave him higher odds of returning to Duke than playing for the Wiz or Hornets but I don't know if it means anything. He's also teased running it back a couple times.

I think it's all smoke, though.

Why do people look at gambling odds like a crystal ball? Lol

[Jordan Jackson]

Not sure what Cooper does if one of the three blind mice - wizards/pelicans/hornets - win the lottery. Those teams are where NBA careers go to die.

I wonder when we start hearing Cooper has a preference on teams and will he be “lucky” and land there.

Wemby wanting to be a Spur was the worst kept secret. If we’re being honest, kinda felt that’s where he would end up.

[mystargtr34]

I have a feeling it’s Philly or Washington winning the lottery this year. Both biggish markets, Jewish Silver probably likes some balance of power between East and West.

If it’s West I think it’s going to Utah.

[tonight...you]

I have a feeling it’s Philly or Washington winning the lottery this year. Both biggish markets, Jewish Silver probably likes some balance of power between East and West.

If it’s West I think it’s going to Utah.
Gross

[baseline bum]

Not sure what Cooper does if one of the three blind mice - wizards/pelicans/hornets - win the lottery. Those teams are where NBA careers go to die.

I wonder when we start hearing Cooper has a preference on teams and will he be “lucky” and land there.

Wemby wanting to be a Spur was the worst kept secret. If we’re being honest, kinda felt that’s where he would end up.

If I'm Flagg I just want to avoid NO and Portland at all costs. Charlotte though wouldn't be bad at all with MJ gone and with the talent they have on the roster.

[BatManu20]

X-Rays came back negative for Flagg. Good news. He’ll need to rest that ankle for a few days so we’ll see what his status is for the NCAA Tourney as I’m sure they won’t rush him back, but at least he avoided major injury tbh.

[Mr. Body]

If I'm Flagg I just want to avoid NO and Portland at all costs. Charlotte though wouldn't be bad at all with MJ gone and with the talent they have on the roster.

Philly is probably the best option. Charlotte is a dead franchise and will never get better, maybe if they dump LaMello. Region is all about college sports and dreaming of lynching Negroes anyway. His camp has to really hope for a miracle like Houston jumping up or something or else he's playing for a dead end nowhere franchise somewhere.

[baseline bum]

Philly is probably the best option. Charlotte is a dead franchise and will never get better, maybe if they dump LaMello. Region is all about college sports and dreaming of lynching Negroes anyway. His camp has to really hope for a miracle like Houston jumping up or something or else he's playing for a dead end nowhere franchise somewhere.

That'll be the second funniest shit ever if Phoenix's refusal to give up Devin Booker makes them hand Cooper Flagg over to the Rockets. Still won't be as funny as trading Luka for Street Clothes because Miriam Adelson and her failson are too cheap to pay a supermax to a top 3 player though.

[scott]

Cooper doesn’t actually have to go back to college, he just needs to create enough of a credible threat that he’ll pull out of the draft to force the team with #1 into a game of chicken and maybe get them to trade the pick to somewhere “acceptable” to Flagg.

Not sure he’s actually that type of person, but that’s the kind of scenario that NIL money has kind of created. Very much an Eli Manning with the Chargers scenario. Could actually be the kind of thing that works in the Spurs favor if we landed at #2 for example. Flagg threatens to go withdraw and forces CHA to trade #1 for #2, Devin and a future first. If you’re CHA, you ask for Castle obviously… and honestly the Spurs should probably do that deal as much as I’d hate to lose Steph.

[Ice009]

Can Cooper decide after the draft lottery if he's going to stay in college another year? When does he have to make that decision by if he were to do that?

[Gibbz]

Why do people look at gambling odds like a crystal ball? Lol

Gambling odds are consistently the best predictor in every sport. The books ain't losing money.

Also, I expressed my own doubt in the odds. How the fuck was I looking at it like a crystal ball?

[ChumpDumper]

I have a feeling it’s Philly or Washington winning the lottery this year. Both biggish markets, Jewish Silver probably likes some balance of power between East and West.

If it’s West I think it’s going to Utah.Would a commissioner from the goyim think differently?

[Mr. Body]

Gambling odds are consistently the best predictor in every sport. The books ain't losing money.

Also, I expressed my own doubt in the odds. How the fuck was I looking at it like a crystal ball?

Even reciting the odds, man. And no they're wrong all the time. They're designed to take your money.

[SpursBills]

Selfishly, I want him to go to Philly. Even though they don't deserve it after the horrendous job that Morey's done recently with the Paul George desperation move, he's the only rookie who I could see significantly improving their team next year and I don't want them handing over like the number 5 pick in a loaded 2026 draft to OKC.

[scott]

Can Cooper decide after the draft lottery if he's going to stay in college another year? When does he have to make that decision by if he were to do that?

No, he has to withdraw before the draft… but he can withdraw after the lottery (something the NBA should consider changing, tbh).

[scott]

Selfishly, I want him to go to Philly. Even though they don't deserve it after the horrendous job that Morey's done recently with the Paul George desperation move, he's the only rookie who I could see significantly improving their team next year and I don't want them handing over like the number 5 pick in a loaded 2026 draft to OKC.

I still argue that NOP would be the most fun for the league as a landing spot for Cooper.

Flagg/TMIII/DJM/Herb/Missi would be a hell of a core if they can move Zion and bring back a SG or Combo guard for that group. Herro, Ivey, Sharpe, Jalen Green, Coby White are all names of various caliber that I think would make that team fun. Not sure they’re going compete for a title… but they’d be a lot of fun.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

glorified Luke Walton, but it's 2025 not 2003, I guess

[Mr. Body]

He won't stay. Starting that first contract, and then next year there are already two players vying for the #1 spot.

Portland and NOP aren't bad places to go. Anything can happen. The Warriors were a nowhere franchise for most of its existence until they got Curry and made some other great choices.

[exstatic]

He won't stay. Starting that first contract, and then next year there are already two players vying for the #1 spot.

Portland and NOP aren't bad places to go. Anything can happen. The Warriors were a nowhere franchise for most of its existence until they got Curry and made some other great choices.

I think the reference to Portland and NO was for subpar medical staffs,not the city itself.

[mo7888]

glorified Luke Walton, but it's 2025 not 2003, I guess

Worst take I've seen today and I've been on X (twitter)...

[exstatic]

Attention seeker desperately throwing out hot take.

[Mr. Body]

Attention seeker desperately throwing out hot take.

When has a hugely hyped #1 draft pick forward from Duke ever gotten derailed by constant injuries?

[Ice009]

No, he has to withdraw before the draft… but he can withdraw after the lottery (something the NBA should consider changing, tbh).

Yeah, that's what I meant. After he sees who won the number 1 pick, if can he withdraw at that point before the actual NBA draft. If that is the case, yeah, maybe the NBA should look at changing that rule.

[exstatic]

When has a hugely hyped #1 draft pick forward from Duke ever gotten derailed by constant injuries?

I actually wasn’t talking about you, but if the shoe fits, wear it.

Unless you think Cooper will balloon up to 290, it’s foolish to compare them. Zion didn’t fail for basketball reasons. When he’s on the court,he’s fucking elite.

[Mr. Body]

I actually wasn’t talking about you, but if the shoe fits, wear it.

Unless you think Cooper will balloon up to 290, it’s foolish to compare them. Zion didn’t fail for basketball reasons. When he’s on the court,he’s fucking elite.

I'm actually not sure why I responded to that post. I meant to do a different one.

[BatManu20]

Kid is a baller. Straight up. Whoever lands him this Summer is very lucky tbh.

1905476834550333575

[Mr. Body]

We should draft this kid if we get #1.

[spurraider21]

Hot take: there won't be a single generational talent in the 2025 draft, but there will be very good players. Cooper Flagg won't go #1.


We should draft this kid if we get #1.

[dn0774]

How tall is he going to come in at? He is billed at 6'9" but I often think he looks quite a bit shorter than that. He just turned 18 so he wouldn't surprise me if grows more, though.

[mystargtr34]

I’d say Flagg is about 6’8 barefoot which is about 6’9 in the old NBA height. I think he plays bigger than that though because of reach and wingspan. Wouldn’t surprise me if he had a 9’0 standing reach.

[SupremeGuy]

Wait, I know some of you like to play stupid; but no one honestly thinks Cooper Flagg isn't going 1, right?

We're not drafting first overall so soon after the basketball Gods allowed us to draft Wemby. It's selfish as fuck to even think about it tbh.

[spurraider21]

Wait, I know some of you like to play stupid; but no one honestly thinks Cooper Flagg isn't going 1, right?

We're not drafting first overall so soon after the basketball Gods allowed us to draft Wemby. It's selfish as fuck to even think about it tbh.
thats why i want #3 to take bailey without being overly greedy :lol

[spursparker9]

Flagg might have more potential than Wemby tbh.

Next GM survey would probably be Flagg is the top player that GM want to start a new team with

[Gibbz]

Flagg might have more potential than Wemby tbh.

Next GM survey would probably be Flagg is the top player that GM want to start a new team with

lol

[SupremeGuy]

Flagg might have more potential than Wemby tbh.

Next GM survey would probably be Flagg is the top player that GM want to start a new team withHe seems like a more natural frontcourt player. I could have sworn he was 7 feet tall last year. Now he's 6'9?

[exstatic]

He seems like a more natural frontcourt player. I could have sworn he was 7 feet tall last year. Now he's 6'9?

He’s never been listed anywhere near 7”. The 7 stuck in your head may have been his very young age when entering college: 17.

I think there were legit questions before and early in the season about his shooting that led to conjecture that he might not go #1, but those questions have been answered.

[Gibbz]

He's incredible but he'll be lucky to ever have the on-court impact Wemby had this season. He should have a super-high floor. Siakam was a solid conservative comp that I saw. What are we doing?

[John B]

He did great against the Olympic Team. He’s just toying with the college competition. He’s going to be a multiple AS. But he’s not even close to Wemby. But if he grows another 1-2 inches, he’ll be a multiple MVP like Giannis with that frame.

[The Truth #6]

His ceiling won't (can't?) be as high as VW...but he'll be easier to build around. VW is so different it's more of a challenge I would argue.

[SpursBills]

Pretty crazy that this guys median outcome might be pretty close to Jayson Tatum. Think we may have to start having conversations about whether he’s a better prospect than Luka.

[LeBowen]

His ceiling won't (can't?) be as high as VW...but he'll be easier to build around. VW is so different it's more of a challenge I would argue.

Why? Wemby is the easiest player to build around. Will be the best defender ever and an above average shooter which is ridiculous for his size.
The only way building around him would be difficult is if he demands to be a point center without improving his handles and ball security.

It's unfair to compare anyone with Wemby because his ceiling is higher than anything we've ever seen.
Will he get there is another question, but he demostrated the potential is there.

Flagg has MVP level player potential, but I don't see the outworldly athleticism Lebron had or let's say Luka's playmaking/shot creating potential.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Wemby's advanced stats showed him to be the 3rd best player in the league (albeit some distance from Jokic and SGA) in just his 2nd season. Doubt anyone could reach such levels so quickly in recent years. Wemby still remains among the best bets in the league. The Spurs just need to surround him with better talent and obviously better coaches than an interim one.