Flagg’s Injury Shakes Up Duke’s Title Hopes in NBA
When Duke’s rising star Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle injury late in the first half against Georgia Tech, the entire Blue Devils fanbase held its breath. The silver lining? No fractures, just swelling. The downside? Duke’s national championship aspirations just became a lot more uncertain.
Flagg reappeared on the bench during the second half, walking under his own power—without crutches or a protective boot. While that’s a promising sign, Duke will need more than just hope to navigate March Madness successfully. The question now is: Who will step up in his absence? And how will this injury shake up the 2025 NBA Draft? Let’s dive in.
Rising Stars Who Can Fill the Void
Kon Knueppel: The Playmaker
With Flagg sidelined, Duke turned to freshman sensation Kon Knueppel, and he did not disappoint. The 6-foot-7 guard delivered a season-high 28 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field while adding eight assists and just one turnover in Duke’s 78-70 victory.
- Ran a season-high 14 pick-and-rolls (Synergy Sports tracking data)
- Excelled at finishing at the rim and facilitating plays
- Set up three lob dunks for center Khaman Maluach
Knueppel is already projected as a top-10 pick, but this is his moment to prove he can be more than just a sharpshooter—he can be a primary initiator. If he continues to thrive in this role, he could easily move into the top five in the draft.
Khaman Maluach: The Defensive Anchor
At 7-foot-2 with an incredible wingspan, Khaman Maluach has always been a key presence in the paint. Without Flagg, his defensive role just became even more crucial.
- Recorded two early second-half blocks, sparking Duke’s comeback
- Expected to screen and roll more frequently on offense
- Solidifying his top-10 draft status with strong performances
More dominant outings like his Georgia Tech showing could elevate Maluach’s draft stock even further.
Isaiah Evans: The Shooter on the Rise
Freshman guard Isaiah Evans has been an elite shooter all season, and Duke leaned on him even more in Flagg’s absence.
- Thrives in catch-and-shoot situations
- Makes an impressive 44.4% of his 3-point attempts
- Currently a projected second-round pick but rising fast
If Evans continues to capitalize on his opportunities, he could move up draft boards much sooner than anticipated.
How This Affects the NBA Draft Landscape
Flagg and Dylan Harper (Rutgers) are the favorites to go No. 1 and No. 2, with Ace Bailey (Rutgers) currently projected at No. 3. But after that, things are wide open. Players like Knueppel and Maluach now have an unexpected opportunity to boost their stock and make a case for a top-five selection.
Upperclassmen Tyrese Proctor and Sion James will also see expanded roles, but the NBA values youth, and prospects like Evans have the most to gain.
If Flagg returns in time for the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight, Duke remains a title contender. But if not, this is the kind of pivotal moment that can define a season—and shake up the 2025 NBA Draft.
Source Yahoo Sports
