If I were to compile a list of the top ten players in the NBA today, I would include: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell, and Kevin Durant.
Each player brings a unique flair and electrifying talent to the court.
As the NCAA men’s basketball tournament was narrowing down to the Final Four, I was discussing Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, with my friends. I had the opportunity to watch him play during the tournament, curious to see if he lives up to the lofty expectations.
Throughout his time at Duke, he has demonstrated flashes of sheer dominance that hint at his potential. However, the question lingers: will this “one-and-done” player’s skills translate into a storied career as a multiple-time NBA All-Star, or will it remain just a tantalizing promise?
Sure, Flagg missed a potentially game winning shot in a Final Foul meltdown against Houston Saturday night, but his potential was on display throughout the tournament. There was also a controversial foul called against him.
The NBA, too, is no doubt keenly observing Flagg’s evolution, as the league longs for a groundbreaking star capable of stepping into the limelight. With national TV ratings dropping by 5% year-over-year as of February, the urgency for a fresh, transformative figure has never been more palpable.
