

Cooper Flagg may be one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory, but even the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft knows there’s room to grow.
Speaking at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, the Duke freshman was asked which NBA star’s signature skill he would choose to add to his own game. His answer? Without hesitation, Steph Curry’s unmatched shooting ability.
“I’d take Steph’s shooting,” Flagg said, acknowledging the impact that kind of offensive firepower would have on his already well-rounded game.
Curry, of course, needs no introduction. The Golden State Warriors icon has revolutionized modern basketball with his range, touch, and quick release. He’s the NBA‘s all-time leader in three-pointers made and the only player in history to surpass 4,000 career threes-making him the gold standard for shooting.
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For Flagg, who enters the league as a 6-foot-9 forward with elite defensive instincts and playmaking potential, consistent long-range shooting could be the final piece of his NBA-ready profile.
Why Flagg’s admiration for Curry’s shooting makes sense
Before arriving at Duke, some scouts questioned whether Flagg could stretch the floor efficiently at the next level.
He answered those doubts with a strong freshman campaign, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while knocking down 38.5% of his three-point attempts on 3.6 tries per game.
He improved that production even further during Duke‘s NCAA Tournament run, averaging 21.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Still, Flagg recognizes that being a good shooter and being Steph Curry are two entirely different things. Curry’s unique gravity on the court-his ability to stretch defenses to the half-court line-creates opportunities not just for himself, but for his entire team.
If Flagg could replicate even a fraction of that impact, he’d be nearly impossible to guard.
While he might never become the kind of shooter Curry is-few, if any, ever will-Flagg‘s confidence in his continued growth is apparent. He’s a tireless worker, known for studying the game and putting in extra hours in the gym.
If he can push his shooting to another level, his versatility as a forward will make him even more valuable.
The Dallas Mavericks, who landed the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, are widely expected to select Flagg. If they do, he’ll join a roster already led by superstar Luka Doncic, forming a potentially dominant one-two punch.
A forward who can defend, pass, rebound, and shoot from deep would fit perfectly alongside Doncic’s ball-dominant style.
Flagg‘s desire to emulate Curry speaks volumes-not just about what he wants to add to his game, but how high he sets his standards. In a league increasingly driven by perimeter shooting, there’s no better player to model that part of your game after.
This news was originally published on this post .
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