The Athletic ranked its top NBA prospects of the last decade. And while the names on there aren’t surprising, where some were ranked might raise eyebrows.
Sam Vecenie graded the players when they entered the draft and not what they’ve accomplished thus far in their careers — if they’ve even been drafted yet.
Duke forward Cooper Flagg came it at No. 2, behind only Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who was selected first overall by San Antonio in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“He plays hard all the time and is relentless in his aggression on both ends,” Vecenie wrote of Flagg. “He gives energy to his teammates and is all sorts of tough and fearless. He’s the easiest person to buy into becoming a winning basketball player because he amplifies those around him.”
The Maine native and Rutgers guard Dylan Harper were the only two college players to make the list.
Flagg beat out several other NBA stars like Luka Doncic, Ja Morant and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum — who was ranked at No. 12.
The Duke star is expected to be drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the first overall pick on Wednesday. The Mavericks, who shockingly traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, won the NBA Draft Lottery in May despite having a 1.8% chance at getting the first pick.
Flagg officially declared for the draft in April.
The 18-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his one season with the Blue Devils. Flagg also shot 39% from 3-point range.
While he only played one season, his numbers were enough to earn the the Naismith National Player of the Year.
Flagg helped Duke to a 35-4 record and became the first Duke player to score 30 points, have at least five rebounds and as many assists in an NCAA tournament game — which came in a Sweet 16 win over Arizona.