NBA insider provides an encouraging update on Cooper Flagg amid concerns surrounding a walking boot scare.
An NBA insider has eased concerns surrounding top prospect Cooper Flagg after the Duke standout was recently spotted wearing a walking boot, a development that sparked widespread speculation across league circles and social media.
According to reporting from ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the situation is not considered serious, and the boot is being used primarily as a precautionary measure. The update comes after photos surfaced showing Flagg in a protective boot following a recent workout, prompting fears that the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft may have suffered a significant injury.
Wojnarowski noted during an appearance on ESPN that sources close to the situation described the issue as “minor” and emphasized that there is no long-term concern regarding Flagg’s availability for pre-draft activities. “This is not something that NBA teams are viewing as a red flag,” Wojnarowski said, citing conversations with league executives who have continued their evaluations of the 6-foot-9 forward without hesitation.
Flagg, who reclassified to enter college early, has been widely regarded as one of the most complete prospects in recent years. During his freshman campaign at Duke Blue Devils, he showcased elite defensive instincts, advanced playmaking ability, and a rapidly improving offensive game. His versatility on both ends of the floor has drawn comparisons to several All-Star forwards currently in the league.
The sight of a walking boot inevitably raised alarm bells, especially with the NBA Draft process entering a critical stage. Teams are finalizing medical evaluations, conducting private workouts, and narrowing their draft boards. Any uncertainty surrounding the health of a projected franchise cornerstone naturally draws scrutiny.
However, multiple reports indicate that Flagg is expected to resume full basketball activities shortly. League sources told ESPN that teams with top lottery picks have already received preliminary medical information and have not altered their draft positioning as a result of the brief setback.
One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that such precautionary measures are common during the pre-draft cycle. “At this stage, prospects and their representatives are extremely cautious,” the executive said. “If there’s any soreness or minor tweak, they’ll shut it down temporarily rather than risk something bigger.”
Flagg’s camp has not publicly detailed the exact nature of the issue, but the consensus among insiders is that the walking boot was used to manage minor discomfort rather than address structural damage. The expectation remains that he will participate in individual workouts and interviews ahead of draft night.
The update should reassure teams like the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards — franchises widely projected to be in position to select at or near the top of the draft — as they weigh the opportunity to secure a potential franchise-altering talent.
For now, the message from league insiders is clear: the walking boot scare appears to be just that — a scare. Unless new information emerges, Flagg’s status as the likely top selection remains unchanged, and NBA teams continue to view him as a transformational prospect capable of anchoring a rebuild for years to come.
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