Leif Thulin’s Bold Take: Cooper Flagg = Jayson Tatum (Or Better?)

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Leif Thulin joined Rafael Barlowe to share why he believes Cooper Flagg has the potential to be equal to—or even better than—Jayson Tatum at the NBA level. While Flagg enters the 2025 NBA Draft cycle as the consensus projected No. 1 pick with comparisons ranging from Kawhi Leonard to Andrei Kirilenko, Leif made a bold case for a Tatum-level ceiling. He explained that at the same stage in their development, Flagg was already the better shooter, averaged more points per game, was a superior defender, and showcased more vision as a passer. With Tatum already a six-time All-Star, NBA champion, and multiple-time All-NBA selection, Leif’s take frames Flagg not just as an elite prospect, but as someone who could ultimately surpass a player on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

2:06 – Why Cooper Flagg could be equal to or better than Jayson Tatum
9:51 – Jayson Tatum's pre-draft scouting report from 2017
14:29 – The question: Is Jayson Tatum underrated?
20:10 – Flagg vs. Tatum as NBA prospects
26:40 – Career expectations for Cooper Flagg
29:30 – Could Cooper Flagg end up in Philly? The team that traded up for Markelle Fultz over Tatum

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