Former NBA champion expresses serious doubts about Cooper Flagg’s readiness and impact at Duke for the upcoming college basketball season.

As Duke University prepares for the 2025-26 college basketball season, much attention is focused on the promising talents set to lead the Blue Devils. One such player, Cooper Flagg, has been hailed as a potential game-changer due to his impressive high school career, physical tools, and skill set. However, recent comments from a former NBA champion have cast a shadow of doubt on Flagg’s readiness and potential impact at the collegiate level. This article explores the concerns expressed by the NBA veteran, examines Flagg’s current status, and analyzes what these doubts might mean for Duke basketball’s near-term future.

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Cooper Flagg emerged as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent years. Standing at approximately 6-foot-8 with a versatile skill set, Flagg has been praised for his combination of size, shooting ability, ball-handling, and defensive versatility. His performances at the high school level, as well as his participation in elite national tournaments, have made him one of the most talked-about recruits in college basketball.

Flagg’s skill set fits perfectly with the modern, positionless style of basketball favored by many coaches, including Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer. His ability to guard multiple positions, handle the ball, and score from various spots on the floor makes him a coveted asset for any team aiming for national prominence.

The Doubts Voiced by a Former NBA Champion

Despite the high expectations surrounding Flagg, a former NBA champion recently voiced serious doubts about his readiness to make an immediate impact at Duke. While the identity of the champion adds weight to the commentary, the substance of the doubts focuses on several key areas:

1. Physical Readiness and Strength

The NBA veteran expressed concerns about Flagg’s physical development, particularly his strength and conditioning. While Flagg possesses excellent height and length, competing at the college level—especially in a conference as competitive as the ACC—requires not just size but also physical resilience and stamina.

The champion suggested that Flagg may need to undergo significant physical development to withstand the rigors of a full NCAA season, especially against older, stronger, and more experienced opponents.

2. Adjusting to the Speed and Physicality of College Play

Transitioning from high school to college basketball is a monumental leap. The speed of the game, the complexity of defensive schemes, and the physicality present new challenges. The champion noted that Flagg’s adaptation to this faster, more demanding environment remains uncertain.

This includes understanding advanced defensive rotations, coping with double teams, and maintaining focus during extended stretches of the game.

3. Offensive Consistency and Aggressiveness

Although Flagg is known for his offensive versatility, the NBA champion questioned whether Flagg has developed the consistency and aggressiveness required to be a primary offensive option at Duke.

In college basketball, players often need to assert themselves, create their own shots, and deliver in clutch moments. The doubts expressed suggest that Flagg may still be in the process of developing these traits.

Why These Concerns Are Important

The former NBA champion’s doubts highlight a critical conversation in college basketball about player development and readiness. For a program like Duke, which competes at the highest levels and expects immediate contributions from top recruits, such concerns can influence roster planning and team strategy.

The Pressure of Expectations

Flagg arrived at Duke with considerable hype, which can sometimes create added pressure on young players. Expectations to perform immediately at a high level can be challenging, especially if physical and mental maturity are still in progress.

Balancing Development and Competition

Coaches must balance giving players like Flagg meaningful minutes with the need to win games. If a player is not fully ready, rushing them onto the court could hinder their development and the team’s success.

How Duke and Coach Jon Scheyer Might Respond

Jon Scheyer, known for his player development skills, faces the task of managing Flagg’s transition carefully. Here are some ways Duke might address the doubts:

Strength and Conditioning Focus

Duke’s training staff will likely prioritize building Flagg’s physical strength and endurance during the offseason and throughout the season. A tailored program can help him add muscle mass and improve stamina, making him more competitive at the college level.

Gradual Integration and Role Definition

Instead of expecting Flagg to carry the team immediately, Scheyer may ease him into the rotation, allowing time to adapt to the speed and physicality of college basketball. Defining a clear role—whether as a defensive specialist, spot-up shooter, or secondary ball-handler—could help Flagg gain confidence.

Mental and Tactical Development

Improving Flagg’s basketball IQ through film study, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from veterans will be crucial. Understanding team defensive schemes and offensive sets will aid his transition and reduce on-court mistakes.

Implications for Duke Basketball’s 2025-26 Season

Flagg’s readiness—or lack thereof—could significantly influence Duke’s season outlook.

Impact on Team Depth and Versatility

Duke relies on versatile forwards who can defend multiple positions and contribute offensively. If Flagg struggles to meet expectations early, Duke may need to adjust rotations or seek additional help through transfers or incoming freshmen.

Recruiting and Transfer Portal Strategy

The doubts about Flagg may lead Duke to be more aggressive in the transfer portal or recruiting to bolster its roster, ensuring that the team remains competitive despite potential growing pains.

Broader Reflections on College Basketball Recruiting and Player Development

The skepticism expressed by the former NBA champion reflects a broader challenge faced by top college programs: evaluating and developing young talent amid high expectations.

Flagg’s situation is not unique; many elite recruits face adjustment periods when transitioning to college. Programs like Duke must balance immediate performance with long-term player growth, often under intense media and fan scrutiny.

The serious doubts voiced by a former NBA champion about Cooper Flagg’s readiness and impact at Duke underscore the challenges faced by even the most talented young players. While Flagg possesses tremendous potential, his physical development, adjustment to college-level play, and offensive aggressiveness remain questions to be answered.

For Duke and Jon Scheyer, managing these concerns with a strategic approach focused on development, patience, and role clarity will be critical. How Flagg responds to these challenges could shape not only his career trajectory but also Duke’s fortunes in the 2025-26 season.

Ultimately, this situation highlights the complexities of college basketball recruiting and the unpredictable path young athletes navigate in their quest to reach the highest levels of the sport.