On Saturday, a former NBA standout gave Duke star Cooper Flagg some unexpected career advice.
During an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, NBA veteran Quentin Richardson suggested that Flagg should seriously consider staying at Duke for his sophomore year, even though he is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Richardson’s reasoning? He believes Flagg should hesitate before entering the NBA, as he could be drafted by the Washington Wizards—a team he likened to “purgatory.”
“If I’m Cooper Flagg, I’m not sure I want to go to the Washington Wizards,” Richardson said. “That’s what’s waiting for him, and that’s purgatory.”
Richardson added that with the current NIL landscape, Flagg could still earn significant money by staying in college while avoiding the possibility of being drafted by a struggling franchise like Washington.
However, there are flaws in Richardson’s logic. Even if the Wizards finish with the league’s worst record, they only have a 14% chance of securing the No. 1 pick. Flagg could just as easily end up with teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, or New Orleans Pelicans.
Additionally, delaying his NBA entry wouldn’t guarantee a better destination in 2026. He could still be drafted by a team in a similarly difficult situation.
Financially, turning pro remains the best option. If Flagg is selected first overall, he could earn nearly $13 million next season, a sum that far exceeds what he could make through NIL deals at Duke. He would also secure a long-term NBA contract, offering more financial stability.
Despite speculation, Flagg himself has admitted to being tempted by another year at Duke. However, the logical choice is to enter the draft, which remains the most likely scenario.
The freshman has been outstanding for Duke, averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game heading into Saturday’s action.