Is there anyone who can surpass Cooper Flagg as the top pick? An NBA Draft specialist provides a direct response.

As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, the prospect of Cooper Flagg claiming the top pick has taken center stage in the basketball world. Flagg, a 6’8″ forward from Maine, has been hailed as one of the most promising young basketball players in recent years. His rare combination of size, skill, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess has made him a consensus top-tier prospect. But with the NBA Draft being as unpredictable as it is, the question remains: is it possible for someone to surpass Cooper Flagg as the number one overall pick?

To provide insight into this question, we’ve spoken with an NBA Draft specialist, a seasoned scout with years of experience analyzing the future stars of professional basketball. Through their analysis, we’ll examine what makes Flagg the likely top pick, the candidates who could potentially challenge him, and the factors that might influence the final decision when the 2024 NBA Draft rolls around.

Cooper Flagg’s Case for the Top Pick

Cooper Flagg has earned his place at the top of most draft boards for a variety of reasons. The 6’8″ forward is known for his elite defensive abilities, versatility, and high basketball IQ. His potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him a rare and highly coveted prospect.

Defensive Dominance

Flagg’s defensive prowess is arguably the most remarkable part of his game. At 6’8″, he has the length and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and guard on the perimeter makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. In fact, some scouts have compared his defensive potential to that of some of the NBA’s best two-way players, like Kawhi Leonard or Jaden Ivey.

Flagg’s shot-blocking ability is particularly impressive, as he can use his size and timing to alter or reject shots both at the rim and in the mid-range. His defensive versatility allows him to switch on pick-and-roll plays, which is a valuable asset in the modern NBA, where versatility is a key component of defensive schemes.

Offensive Skillset

While Flagg is often praised for his defense, his offensive game is equally impressive, especially considering his age. He is a well-rounded player who can score in a variety of ways. His jump shot, while still a work in progress, is improving, and he has shown a consistent ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. Flagg is also adept at scoring in transition, making him a potent weapon on fast breaks.

In addition to his scoring, Flagg’s basketball IQ is top-notch. He’s a willing passer, capable of reading defenses and setting up his teammates for easy shots. This vision, combined with his playmaking skills, gives him the versatility to play both forward positions in the NBA, whether as a small forward or a power forward.

High Basketball IQ and Leadership

Beyond the tangible skills, Flagg’s basketball IQ and leadership on the court are what truly set him apart. He’s not just a player who excels individually — he also elevates his team. Flagg has the ability to control the pace of the game and make his teammates better. His leadership is seen both on and off the court, as he serves as a vocal and emotional leader for his teams. This intangibles factor, combined with his basketball IQ, makes Flagg a highly coveted asset for NBA teams.

Given these factors, Cooper Flagg’s combination of defensive dominance, offensive potential, versatility, and leadership make him the top pick for many NBA scouts and analysts.

The Case for Challengers: Could Someone Surpass Flagg?

While Cooper Flagg is a strong frontrunner for the number one pick, the unpredictability of the NBA Draft means that other players could emerge as viable candidates to challenge him. In this section, we’ll explore several of these potential challengers and analyze what could allow them to surpass Flagg in the draft hierarchy.

1. Isaiah Collier: A Dynamic Point Guard

Isaiah Collier, a 6’5″ point guard out of USC, is widely regarded as one of the most talented backcourt prospects in recent years. Collier’s vision, basketball IQ, and ability to make plays for himself and his teammates have made him a standout player in the 2024 draft class. He’s a strong leader who controls the pace of the game, and his size and athleticism make him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.

Collier’s ability to score from all three levels — inside, from mid-range, and beyond the arc — gives him the tools to be a dynamic offensive weapon. He’s also an exceptional passer, capable of threading the needle on difficult assists and making his teammates better.

While Flagg has the defensive edge, Collier could surpass him in the draft if NBA teams prioritize a point guard who can run the offense and take control of games. Point guards are often valued highly in the NBA because of their ability to dictate tempo, and a player with Collier’s talent could be seen as a future franchise player. If teams at the top of the draft are looking for a leader to build around in the backcourt, Collier could emerge as the top pick.

2. Ron Holland: The Versatile Forward

Ron Holland, a 6’9″ forward from Texas, is another potential challenger to Flagg. Holland is an incredibly versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He is an elite defender, much like Flagg, and has shown the ability to guard multiple positions. Holland’s athleticism, combined with his size and length, makes him a constant threat in transition and on the boards.

Offensively, Holland is still developing his perimeter game but has the potential to become a reliable shooter. His ability to score around the basket, combined with his rebounding and playmaking skills, gives him the potential to become a complete player at the next level.

Holland’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential, along with his developing offensive game, makes him a tantalizing prospect. If he continues to show progress in his offensive development and proves that he can be a high-level scorer in addition to his defensive contributions, he could challenge Flagg for the top pick. Teams looking for a versatile forward with two-way potential might view Holland as the superior choice.

3. DJ Wagner: Elite Scoring Guard

DJ Wagner, a 6’3″ guard from Kentucky, is another player who could challenge Flagg for the top pick. Wagner is one of the most electrifying scorers in the 2024 class, with the ability to score at will in a variety of ways. His shooting range, combined with his ability to get to the basket, makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the draft.

Wagner’s quickness, ball-handling, and ability to create for himself make him an intriguing prospect. While he may not possess the same defensive versatility as Flagg, Wagner’s ability to put up points and lead an offense could make him a highly desirable asset, especially for teams looking for a dynamic guard to build around.

In terms of pure scoring ability, Wagner could outshine Flagg, and if he continues to develop into a better all-around player, he might end up as the top pick. NBA teams that prioritize scoring and playmaking from the backcourt could lean toward Wagner, especially if they already have strong defensive players and are looking for a primary scorer.

Factors That Could Influence the Decision

The decision regarding who goes first overall will depend on a variety of factors beyond the players’ individual talent. While Flagg’s skills make him the favorite, the following factors could influence whether someone else surpasses him as the top pick.

Team Needs

The needs of the team selecting first overall will play a significant role in the decision. If the team is looking for a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor, Flagg’s two-way potential makes him the logical choice. However, if the team is in need of a point guard or dynamic scorer, they might favor players like Collier or Wagner, depending on their style of play.

Fit within the NBA’s Modern Game

The NBA continues to evolve, with an emphasis on positionless basketball, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility. Flagg’s ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game in a variety of ways makes him a strong fit for the modern NBA. However, if a team believes that a point guard or shooting guard with elite scoring potential is a better fit for the league’s current trends, they may opt for someone like Collier or Wagner.

Pre-Draft Workouts and Interviews

Pre-draft workouts, interviews, and interviews with coaches and management will provide teams with more insight into each player’s work ethic, attitude, and potential to develop at the next level. Players who impress in these settings may receive a boost in their draft stock. If Flagg shows any signs of inefficiency or struggles in workouts, it could open the door for other prospects to surpass him.