The Hype Around the 2026 NBA Draft Class Is Real - But Let’s Not Forget What Cooper Flagg Is Already Doing
There’s no doubt about it - the 2026 NBA Draft class is generating serious buzz, and for good reason. Names like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa are already being talked about in the kind of tones usually reserved for future All-Stars. Add in Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Kingston Flemings, Koa Peat, and Keaton Wagler, and you're looking at a group of freshmen that scouts and fans alike are calling one of the most talented in recent memory.
But amid the excitement over what’s next, let’s not lose sight of what’s happening right now.
Cooper Flagg, last year’s college basketball phenom and now a rookie with the Dallas Mavericks, is already making waves at the next level. After a decorated season at Duke - where he captured the Wooden Award and led the Blue Devils to the brink of a national title - Flagg has transitioned to the NBA with the poise and polish of a seasoned pro.
Just two nights ago, he dropped 49 points on 20-of-29 shooting. That’s not potential - that’s production.
"If I was to put [Cooper Flagg] on that list [of current Freshman], he would be 6th." 😳@jamalmashburn breaks down why this year's top Freshman stand out to him 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/qGkknRPSgp
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) January 31, 2026
Still, not everyone is sold on Flagg’s ceiling.
Former NBA All-Star and current TNT analyst Jamal Mashburn recently stirred the pot by saying he’d rank Flagg sixth on his big board if the Duke product were eligible for the upcoming draft. That’s a bold take - especially considering Flagg’s early success in the league. Mashburn, who started his own NBA career in Dallas, acknowledged Flagg’s talent but pointed to “holes” in his game and questioned whether his ceiling matches that of the top 2026 prospects.
Now, whether that’s recency bias, a hot take for TV, or just an honest evaluation, it’s certainly a claim that stands out - especially in the wake of Flagg’s 49-point outburst. If there are five or more freshmen in this upcoming class who can realistically outshine a player already putting up those kinds of numbers in the NBA, then buckle up - we’re on the verge of something special.
But let’s not forget what Flagg did at Duke. The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
He shot 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from deep - all while anchoring a Blue Devils team that came within a heartbeat of the national championship game. And yes, playing alongside fellow standout Kon Knueppel certainly helped, but Flagg was the engine that drove that team.
The questions about his athleticism? Sure, they’re fair to ask - he’s not the most explosive player in the gym.
But his feel for the game, his shot-making, his defensive instincts, and his leadership are already translating at the next level. That’s not theoretical upside - that’s tangible impact.
So as the basketball world turns its eyes toward the next wave of talent, let’s appreciate the rare rookie who’s already proving he belongs. The 2026 class may be loaded with future stars, but Cooper Flagg is already making his case - not just for Rookie of the Year, but for something bigger down the line.
And while Mashburn’s comments might fade into the background for now, don’t be surprised if they resurface - especially if Flagg keeps torching defenses the way he has been.