2 min read • June 25, 2025
Posted in
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the 6’9” phenom widely projected to go No. 1 overall. While his talent and upside are undeniable, Flagg does have a late-season injury from his Freshman year at Duke. Fortunately, those concerns appear to be firmly in the rearview mirror.
Late in the first half of an ACC Tournament game vs Georgia Tech, he landed awkwardly while battling for a rebound and rolled his left ankle, immediately collapsing to the floor in visible pain. He exited to the locker room in a wheelchair for evaluation and did not return.
Initial imaging ruled out any structural damage — no fracture, no ligament rupture — and the injury was ultimately classified as a Grade 2 inversion sprain, which typically involves moderate swelling, bruising, and pain but no long-term risk if properly treated.
Less than two weeks after the injury, Flagg returned to action in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. He logged full practice reps prior to his return and was cleared without restriction, quickly reestablishing himself as Duke’s leader on both ends of the court. Coaches and trainers confirmed there were no lingering issues with balance, lift, or pain tolerance.
He has participated in private workouts and media appearances with no signs of limitation or discomfort.
Flagg remains the consensus top prospect in the class, and his brief injury scare hasn’t altered his projected draft position. Barring a stunning late development, he is expected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night. Currrently, The Dallas Mavericks have the #1 pick, and are expected to select Flagg.
It’s also worth noting that Flagg has no history of chronic lower-body injuries, stress reactions, or overuse conditions, making his medical profile one of the cleanest among recent top draft picks.
Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
Written by
