Is Cooper Flagg really a flawless prospect? The Duke Blue Devils basketball product has all the tools to be a dominant modern combo wing on both ends of the floor, but how quickly can he transform into one of the best players on a championship-caliber roster?
Flagg rapidly progressed during his brief stint in Durham, improving everything from his handles to his pull-up jumper.
Still, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony brought up concerns about the 18-year-old's transition to the next level before defending his limitless potential.
Anthony isn’t all that concerned, though.
During a recent appearance on "Podcast P with Paul George," Anthony talked about one of Flagg's glaring weaknesses before suggesting why it shouldn't be of much worry.
"Right now, he doesn't have a go-to, which is why when they put all of those games at the
end of the game and five seconds or less and the ball is in your hands, you fold in those situations because you don't have a go-to," Anthony said. "You're thinking about a million things to do instead of just, 'I know I'm getting to this spot, and if you defend it, more power to you.' Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's just development."
Both in a regular-season date with Clemson and the Final Four matchup with Houston, Flagg struggled to generate offense in the closing minutes.
Flagg is still blossoming as a point forward and seemed overwhelmed at times when the opposing defensive scheme tightened up late.
With some natural growth in ability and confidence, Flagg should improve in the clutch, but it is something to watch over his first few years in the league.