Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman released some pro comparisons for 2025 NBA draft prospects on Monday, and he compared top-ranked freshman [autotag]Cooper Flagg[/autotag] to former Duke basketball star [autotag]Paolo Banchero[/autotag].
Wasserman wrote that, despite Flagg being a little more explosive than the Orlando Magic star, his offensive improvement gives him a similar skillset to Banchero.
“Like Banchero, the only NBA power forward last season to log at least six pick-and-roll ball-handling possessions per game, Flagg could also initiate offense, drive, play-make or pull up,” Wasserman wrote. “Both are excellent passers, and though shooting isn’t a strength, they’ve become capable shotmakers from the mid-range out to the arc.”
Flagg, the presumed No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NBA draft, wowed scouts at Olympic training camp with the U.S. Men’s Select Team. Even current NBA stars like Kevin Durant praised him, and writers think he and Banchero can both make their Olympic debut with the American team in 2028.
[autotag]Kon Knueppel[/autotag], a fan favorite throughout the offseason, also appeared in Wasserman’s list of comparisons. The Bleacher Report writer compared the five-star Wisconsin native to Saddiq Bey and Max Strus.
“His shooting versatility and instincts are still well suited for off-ball scoring,” Wasserman wrote. “Even as a complementary piece for Duke, Knueppel will put up points right away with the variety of ways he can get a bucket from different spots on the floor.”