The Miami Heat Would Value A Player Like Cooper Flagg
Sportscaster Nick Wright believes Flagg belongs on the Heat
The NCAA is heating up, while the NBA is reaching its most exciting part of the season. One of the biggest and most-anticipated players in the NCAA is small forward Cooper Flagg.
Although the Washington Wizards are favorites to draft Flagg in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, some believe he would be a good fit on other teams.
During a recent segment of FS1’s First Things First, sportscaster Nick Wright revealed that he would rather see Flagg with the Miami Heat.
“I like to see him in Miami [Heat]. I feel like Miami got screwed by Jimmy Butler, and I think that would be a little vindication.” - Nick Wright
Flagg’s potential is on another level
Flagg has produced one of the best freshman seasons in Duke University history.
Throughout this season, Flagg averaged 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks. His most memorable game was on Jan. 12 when he scored 42 points against Notre Dame. His 42 points set a new freshman scoring record for Duke University and the ACC.
At the end of the season, Flagg was named ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. He joined Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley, and Jahlil Okafor as the only players in conference history to earn both awards.
Flagg’s production increased during March Madness. So far in the tournament, Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks. Due to his efforts, Duke is only one game away from making the championship game.
Flagg to the Heat would do wonders
After making the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the Heat are fighting to remain in Play-In contention. While they have been dealing with a more competitive Eastern Conference, things got worse when they traded their superstar forward Jimmy Butler.
If the Heat can pull off a miracle and find a way to draft Flagg in the offseason, it could pay off tremendously.
Not only do the Heat hold a 34-41 record, they are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA. While they have an offensive rating of 112.6, they only score 109.6 points a game.
Flagg could produce heavily when it comes to scoring. He can score anywhere in the halfcourt while executing catch-and-shoot opportunities and creating his own shot.
While Flagg could be a decent piece in Miami, he’s unlikely to end up there. The only 2025 draft pick the Heat own right now is a top-10 protected pick received during the blockbuster trade involving Jimmy Butler going to the Golden State Warriors.
Considering the Heat have a 34-41 record and are looking to make the playoffs, drafting Flagg might not be their priority. Nevertheless, they could still use a player like Flagg to fill in what Butler took with him.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson