Cooper Flagg, widely projected as the top pick in the upcoming June 25 NBA Draft, saw his standout freshman season at Duke University end in heartbreak. The Blue Devils suffered a dramatic collapse in the Final Four, squandering a 14-point second-half lead to the Houston Cougars, who surged with a 9-0 run in the final 33 seconds. CBS Sports labeled the loss “one of the biggest choke jobs in Final Four history.”
In the game’s final moments, Flagg was hit with a disputed foul call and missed a potential game-winning mid-range jumper with under 10 seconds left, denying Duke a spot in the national championship game.
“Fair or not, Flagg’s clutch gene just became debate TV’s next draft topic,” wrote CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter.
Whether Flagg is rethinking his readiness for the pros or just craving redemption, the 18-year-old Maine native dropped a surprise hint on Friday that he might not declare for the NBA draft and could instead return for another season at Duke.
“I’ll just take some time from (the loss), regroup myself, whatever it is,” Flagg told Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “I’m gonna get back into training here pretty soon. And just start to gear up again with the offseason.”
Earlier in the year, Flagg admitted he was open to playing another year in college, though he hadn’t made a firm decision.
Financially, Flagg is in a better position than most college players. He reportedly earned $4.8 million in NIL deals as a freshman, a figure that softens the usual financial urgency of going pro. However, delaying his draft entry could have its downsides — particularly with the strong 2026 class threatening his top-pick status.
“The No. 1 pick battle would be real. The 2026 class is loaded,” noted Fansided’s Christopher Kline, highlighting Cam Boozer — a talented, two-way forward and the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer — as a serious challenger. Cam and his twin brother Cayden have both committed to Duke, potentially forming a powerhouse roster if Flagg stays.
ESPN had previously ranked Cam Boozer above Flagg among high school prospects in 2023.
Staying in School Could Benefit Celtics
Delaying his NBA debut might also open a door for Flagg’s hometown team — the Boston Celtics. The franchise holds multiple first-round picks over the next several years, including in 2025 and 2026, and may look to shed salary to maneuver under the league’s second luxury tax apron.
Should Flagg slip a few spots in the 2026 draft, Boston could be in a stronger position to trade up and select him. Otherwise, as The Ringer’s Bill Simmons speculated, the Celtics might have to wait until Flagg hits free agency in four years.
Regardless, many Celtics fans seem confident their team will find a way to bring the New England native home eventually.