Cooper Flagg Headlines Duke’s Draft Class With Epic NBA Comparison, ESPN Says
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on a trio of Duke Blue Devils who are set to take the league by storm — Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach. Each is expected to be a top-10 pick, with Flagg all but guaranteed to go No. 1 overall. But beyond the hype and headlines, ESPN has offered something that fuels the imagination of fans and front offices alike — high-profile NBA comparisons that could define these prospects’ careers.
And make no mistake, the comparisons are massive.
Cooper Flagg: The Next Tatum… But Even More Complete?
It’s no secret that Cooper Flagg is one of the most heralded prospects in recent memory. The Dallas Mavericks are poised to select him with the first pick, and ESPN’s player comparison only adds to the excitement. According to NBA Draft analyst Jeremy Woo, Flagg’s floor — yes, his floor — is former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala, only with more offensive upside. But his ceiling? Jayson Tatum with elite defense.
Let that sink in.
Tatum, a former Duke standout himself, is a six-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and fresh off leading the Boston Celtics to a championship in 2024. Flagg, like Tatum, is a smooth scorer with a versatile offensive game. But unlike Tatum at the same stage, Flagg has shown flashes of elite-level defense, shot-blocking, and playmaking instincts that elevate him into rare territory.
“If Flagg continues to make strides creating his own shot — where he has flashed comfort in the midrange but needs refinement — the possibility of a Tatum-like scoring leap is on the table,” Woo wrote.
Critics may question if Flagg can be the go-to scorer on a title-contending team. But when your weaknesses are already stronger than most prospects’ strengths, the sky is the limit.
Kon Knueppel: Shooting Star With a Winning Mindset
Overshadowed slightly by the Flagg frenzy is Kon Knueppel, a 6’7” sniper from Wisconsin with one of the smoothest shooting strokes in this draft. ESPN compares him to Desmond Bane at the high end and Joe Harris at the low end — both proven perimeter threats and consummate professionals.
Knueppel isn’t just a three-point marksman. He’s a two-foot finisher who absorbs contact, makes smart reads, and competes with fire on defense. A classic “3-and-D” archetype with additional upside as a secondary scorer and facilitator, Knueppel is the kind of player every playoff team craves. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute without demanding the ball makes him an ideal fit in today’s NBA.
And while he may not be the flashiest name in this draft, he might be one of the most NBA-ready. GMs who pass on him may soon regret it.
Khaman Maluach: A New-Age Defensive Force
Then there’s Khaman Maluach, the 7’2” rim-protector with surprising agility and an expanding offensive game. ESPN pegs his high end as Rudy Gobert but quicker. His low end? Daniel Gafford, but bigger.
It’s a tantalizing projection.
Maluach has already proven he can defend guards in space — a rare skill for someone his size — and now he’s reportedly added a three-point shot to his arsenal. That development could make him a two-way monster at the next level.
“While Gobert can read as a slightly obvious comparison point for paint-protecting 7-footers,” Woo noted, “in this case, it illustrates Maluach’s upside as a player who could potentially provide major defensive backbone in a winning context.”
His timing, verticality, and willingness to switch out on the perimeter give him a rare versatility that fits perfectly in the modern NBA. And with teams constantly searching for a defensive anchor who doesn’t clog the offense, Maluach may become a franchise cornerstone sooner than many expect.
Brotherhood to the League
The Duke Brotherhood continues to dominate the NBA pipeline, and this year’s draft class is no exception. With Flagg, Knueppel, and Maluach drawing comparisons to some of the most respected names in the league, expectations are sky-high.
Yet based on their resumes, intangibles, and relentless work ethic, they may not only meet those expectations — they may exceed them.
One thing’s for sure: when the 2025 NBA Draft tips off, fans won’t just be watching for the names called. They’ll be watching for the next generation of stars — and they’re all coming out of Durham.
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