NBA Scouts Compare Prospective Star Flagg to Legends Ahead of Final Four

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament reaches the Final Four, NBA scouts and executives are buzzing about the potential of Isaiah Flagg, a projected No. 1 pick, whose exceptional play this season has sparked comparisons to both past and current NBA players.

Flagg, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 227 pounds, is recognized for his versatile skill set and defensive acumen. Ahead of Duke’s highly anticipated matchup against Alabama on Saturday, ESPN consulted several NBA executives to discuss Flagg’s potential and the players he most closely resembles.

An NBA scout noted the importance of player comparisons, saying, “It builds the case to say why he’s an NBA player. If you can relate him to someone who has found success in the league, it’s easier to understand the expectations.”

Flagg has made his mark this season as a first-team All-American, establishing himself as a candidate for the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. His unique playing style and potential have led scouts to draw parallels with notable players including Kawhi Leonard, Lamar Odom, Jayson Tatum, Scottie Pippen, and Andrei Kirilenko.

One prevailing comparison comes from Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA Champion. A Western Conference scout remarked, “Flagg is really good defensively and can be a game changer with his size, effort, and IQ. Offensively, he’s progressing well, mirroring the initial trajectory of Leonard in the league.”

Both players demonstrate a strong defensive presence, leveraging their size and instincts to disrupt opponent plays. Although Flagg lacks Leonard’s extensive wingspan, his shot-blocking capabilities indicate his potential impact on the defensive end.

In terms of offensive skill, Flagg is currently averaging an impressive 60% true shooting percentage, surpassing Leonard’s collegiate average of 27% from the three-point range. As Flagg continues to develop, expectations are rising that his offensive role will strengthen, paving the way for potential franchise-player status.

The second comparison made by scouts is to Lamar Odom, a two-time NBA champion and 2000 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. One executive stated, “Flagg’s ability to handle the ball and play on the perimeter at 6-10 gives him an advantage. If he peaks as a scorer, he can still prove invaluable as a point forward who can make plays.”

Both players possess versatility, allowing them to adapt to various roles within a team structure. However, Flagg’s offensive trajectory might surpass Odom’s early stages in the NBA due to fewer off-court struggles and a more established skill set.

Jayson Tatum, who has evolved into an NBA star, is another player to whom Flagg has been compared. A scout suggested that both players faced scrutiny regarding their shooting but have since demonstrated an ability to impact games positively. Flagg’s superior passing ability, reflected in his 5.6 assists per 40 minutes, positions him well for success in the NBA.

Another significant comparison is with Scottie Pippen. Although Pippen thrived as the second star alongside Michael Jordan, scouts believe Flagg can excel in similar dynamics. One Eastern Conference general manager noted, “Flagg might be best utilized next to a top scorer, much like Pippen at the height of his career.”

Lastly, executives have also likened Flagg to Andrei Kirilenko regarding defensive potential. However, the consensus is that Flagg is already more advanced in his offensive capabilities during his collegiate tenure compared to Kirilenko’s early career.

With the NCAA tournament drawing attention to his talents, the anticipation surrounding Isaiah Flagg continues to build as scouts track his performance closely in hopes of projecting his future success in the NBA.