Portland Trail Blazers Fans Dream Big: Can Cooper Flagg Be Their Future Star?
Not long ago, being a Portland Trail Blazers fan meant enduring a never-ending rebuild. Losses piled up, optimism faded, and the franchise seemed stuck in limbo. But suddenly, things started to shift. The team found its rhythm, winning eight of their last nine games, including back-to-back victories over the Phoenix Suns. The energy around Rip City was reignited. However, while the present is exciting, fans have their eyes set on something even bigger: Cooper Flagg, the 17-year-old Duke superstar and projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Portland’s Resurgence and Defensive Strength
Deandre Ayton tonight:
25 PTS
20 REB (9 OREB)Back-to-back wins against his former squad. pic.twitter.com/zRRs6Lz0sz
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 4, 2025
The Blazers’ recent success has been fueled by their improved defense, holding two teams under 100 points and securing a commanding 101-79 victory over Orlando. During this stretch, they defeated strong teams like the Suns (twice), Bucks, Magic, Hornets, Heat, Bulls, and Pelicans.
Despite this improvement, Portland still has major weaknesses. Their defensive rating has climbed to 12th, thanks to Deandre Ayton’s rim protection and Toumani Camara’s perimeter hustle, but they still struggle in critical areas:
26th in net rating (-6.4)
28th in three-point shooting (34.3%)
Clearly, while Portland is improving, they need a true game-changer to elevate them to contender status. And fans believe that player is Cooper Flagg.
The Cooper Flagg Hype Is Real
A 6’9” forward from Duke, Flagg has a rare combination of playmaking, defensive versatility, and elite scoring ability. Portland fans have been vocal about their desire to land him, with one declaring, “Portland needs to get Cooper Flagg this draft.”
His projected college stats—16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game—have drawn comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko and Jalen Johnson, while some fans see him as a Scottie Barnes-type player who could lead the Blazers into the future.
However, landing Flagg won’t be easy. Portland currently has just a 3.7% chance of securing the top pick, and rumors are swirling around potential trades involving Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III to improve their lottery odds.
Could Flagg and Billups Be a Perfect Fit?
Some fans believe Chauncey Billups’ coaching makes Portland an ideal landing spot for Flagg. Billups’ up-tempo approach has helped the Blazers become 5th in fast break points, and his player development skills have helped unlock Avdija’s scoring and Camara’s shooting.
One fan even stated, “Cooper Flagg going there would be the best situation for him.” With his defensive IQ and transition skills, Flagg could thrive in Billups’ system.
Flagg’s Dominance at Duke
Flagg has been nothing short of sensational at Duke, leading the team in all five major statistical categories. Over his last ten games, he’s averaging 28.0 points per game, including a record-breaking 42-point performance against Notre Dame.
Defensively, he’s been an anchor, boasting a 2.7% steal rate and a 6.0% block rate. In big moments, he’s proven clutch, delivering 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists against top-ranked Auburn and 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists against UNC.
Basketball Legends Are Sold on Flagg
Even NBA legends are raving about Flagg.
Dick Vitale called him “the best player I’ve seen in 45 years.”
Kevin Garnett confidently stated, “Flagg is ready for the NBA at 17.”
Some even compare him to Scottie Barnes with Kevin Durant’s scoring touch.
What Should Portland Do Next?
Now, the pressure is on Portland’s front office. Should they trade veterans like Grant and Williams III to increase their lottery odds?
ESPN’s Zach Lowe described the Blazers as “bad by design”, crediting them for their “ethical tanking” strategy. With Flagg’s stock skyrocketing after his USA Select Team dominance, some fans believe Portland must do whatever it takes to land him.
However, luck will still play a major role. The NBA Draft Lottery is unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee that the Blazers will land the No. 1 pick.
Where Will Flagg End Up?
For Blazers fans, the dream is simple: do whatever it takes to get Cooper Flagg. But will the team be able to position themselves for the No. 1 pick, or will he land elsewhere?
What do you think—is Cooper Flagg the missing piece to transform Portland into a true title contender?