"It shows the work I've put in": Duke star Cooper Flagg sees idea of NBA teams potentially tanking for him as extra motivation

With the possibility of Cooper Flagg joining the 2025 NBA draft, fans have jokingly asked their favorite NBA teams to tank in hopes that they could land the forward. However, many believe that the Brooklyn Nets have taken this seriously with the signing of Killian Hayes.

In an interview with GQ released last week, Flagg was asked about this and he said:

"I try not to think about it too much. Things like that are out of my control. It kind of shows the work that I’ve put in and feels like the outcome of everything that I’ve done to this point. It’s a good sign for me to keep pushing and keep working. It motivates me to stay on the right track and stay grounded."

Cooper Flagg caught headlines this month with his incredible performance at the Olympics training scrimmage. As part of Team Select, the Duke rookie took on NBA greats like LeBron James and shined with his skills. Videos of Flagg besting Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis went viral on social media.

When asked about his thoughts going into the scrimmage, Cooper Flagg said (via GQ):

"The nerves were definitely high! I was pretty nervous to be in that environment and play against that level of players. Once I got on the court, all the nerves kind of went away. That’s how it’s kind of always been for me. Once I start playing, the pressure and the nerves and whatever I’m thinking about goes away. I’m able to just lock in and play."

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Cooper Flagg is the answer to Duke's championship drought

In his senior year at Montverde Academy, Cooper Flagg averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocks per contest. He led his team to a 33-0 perfect record, Chipotle High School Nationals. Flagg was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year.

Coach Jon Scheyer spoke on Cooper Flagg and what stood out to him about the freshman. He said: (via Dukewire)

“No matter when I’ve seen him, if it’s a Sunday morning at 8 a.m. after playing for a few days, whether it’s watching him play on ESPN, you know, the national championship game this year, he always plays the same way. He always competes, 100% effort, and I think that’s a separator.”

“Obviously, you look at his athleticism, talent, size, and skill is off the charts. But to me, it’s how he competes and who he is as a teammate.”

With his long list of achievements, many Blue Devils fans believe he will be able to lead Duke to a NCAA Championship. The last won the title in 2015 under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

What are your thoughts on Cooper Flagg and his prospects with the Blue Devils? Let us know in the comment section below.