One of the NBA’s biggest young stars is getting even bigger as former Duke Blue Devil Cooper Flagg revealed Friday that he has grown an inch since his rookie season, going from 6-foot-9 to 6-foot-10 without shoes.
During Dallas Mavericks Media Day, Flagg was asked about his apparent growth spurt and whether reports that he had reached 6-foot-11 were accurate.
“Not very accurate. I'm 6’10”. I got listed in my physical yesterday; I'm 6’10” with no shoes,” Flagg said. “I was like 6’9” last year, so definitely taller. So maybe, I mean no shoes, maybe I'm 6’11”. I don't know.”
During the NBA Draft Combine, Flagg initially measured in at 6-foot-7.75 without shoes. Now, as he enters his second season, Flagg is still just 19 years old, so continuing to
grow at his age is far from unheard of. As he looks to take his game to the next level, the added height could make him an even tougher matchup on both ends of the court.
Defensively, Flagg was already capable of defending multiple positions. With the added height and as he continues to add strength to his frame, he could become better equipped to handle bigger matchups and spend more time defending centers.
Offensively, another inch only adds to the physical advantages Flagg already possesses. The added size could help him shoot over defenders, finish through traffic and see passing lanes over the defense.
Flagg entered the NBA with a rare combination of size, skill and versatility, and his rookie season only reinforced what made him such a highly regarded prospect. Now standing 6-foot-10 barefoot, likely 6-foot-11 in shoes, Flagg has only added to an already imposing physical profile as he enters his second NBA season.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Former Duke star Cooper Flagg reveals surprising growth spurt
