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Projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg took center stage at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago this week, giving scouts and executives another look at his athleticism as he prepares for the 2025 NBA Draft. After a stellar freshman season at Duke, the 6-foot-9 forward is expected to be selected first by the Dallas Mavericks, who won the draft lottery despite holding just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick.
Flagg posted impressive measurements during Tuesday's vertical leap testing, recording a 35.5-inch max vertical jump, placing him among the top leapers in his height range. For comparison, former Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin-widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history-posted the same vertical at the 2009 combine.
Despite the strong showing, reactions on social media were mixed. While some fans praised Flagg's athleticism, others mocked his vertical leap, claiming it wasn't particularly impressive by NBA standards. Some even compared his numbers to those of NFL athletes, with one pointing out that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh recorded a 35.5-inch jump at his own draft combine.
Not everybody was happy but he made his presence felt
Flagg also recorded a 29.0-inch standing vertical, ranking near the top of his position group this year. However, Griffin still had the edge in this category, posting a 32.0-inch standing leap in 2009. The best vertical leap at the 2025 combine came from North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell, who stunned onlookers with a 43.0-inch jump.
Despite the online skepticism, Flagg remains the consensus top prospect heading into the NBA Draft. His combination of defensive versatility, elite playmaking, and leadership qualities make him a prime candidate to anchor the Mavericks' rebuild following the departure of Luka Doncic.
The 2025 NBA Draft is set to take place on June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Flagg will officially learn his NBA destination. Whether his vertical leap impressed or not, he remains one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory.