Everyone wants to know how tall is Cooper Flagg, but honestly, the answer depends on who you ask and what year they’re looking at. If you’ve been following the kid since his days at Montverde Academy or his viral freshman run at Duke, you’ve probably seen the numbers jump around a bit. It’s kinda the classic basketball mystery. One day he’s a "jumbo wing," the next he’s a "versatile modern four."
So, what's the real story?
Basically, as of early 2026, Cooper Flagg is officially listed at 6-foot-9. But like most things in the NBA, there is a "shoes versus no shoes" debate that drives scouts crazy.
The Measurement Mystery: Barefoot vs. Shoes
When Flagg showed up to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, the measurement geeks finally got their hands on him. For years, he was listed as 6-foot-8 or 6-foot-9 in high school. Then Duke listed him at a solid 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds. People were skeptical. Basketball heights are notorious for being, let's say, generous.
But the Combine data actually cleared things up.
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The official measurement was 6-foot-7.75 without shoes.
Now, if you put on a pair of modern basketball sneakers, you’re adding at least an inch, usually more. That’s why his official NBA listing with the Dallas Mavericks—who took him No. 1 overall in the 2025 Draft—stays at 6-foot-9. It’s not a lie; it’s just the standard "playing height."
The Physical Profile
Here is the breakdown of what makes his frame so terrifying for defenders:
- Height (Barefoot): 6'7.75"
- Height (In Shoes): 6'9"
- Weight: Approximately 221 lbs (He bulked up significantly after leaving Duke)
- Wingspan: 7'0"
- Standing Reach: 8'10.5"
It’s that 7-foot wingspan that really matters. When you ask how tall is Cooper Flagg, you’re usually wondering why he’s so good at blocking shots. It’s not just the 6-foot-9 frame; it’s the fact that his arms are basically long-range sensors for the ball. He’s got an 8-foot-10.5 standing reach, which is absurd for a guy who moves like a shooting guard.
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Why One Inch Matters for the Mavericks
When Dallas drafted Flagg, they weren't just looking for a tall guy. They were looking for a specific type of "unicorn." If Flagg was a true 6-foot-10 or 6-foot-11, he might be relegated to the paint. If he were 6-foot-6, he’d be a traditional wing. At 6-foot-9, he hits that sweet spot.
He's tall enough to bother centers like Victor Wembanyama (well, as much as anyone can) but fluid enough to chase guards around the perimeter. Honestly, his growth spurt in 2024-2025—where he reportedly grew nearly an inch and added 12-15 pounds of muscle—is what solidified him as the consensus top pick. He went from a skinny high school phenom to a man with an NBA-ready body.
The Growth Spurt Rumors
There were rumors during his time at Duke that he was still growing. It’s not uncommon for 18 and 19-year-olds to find another half-inch or so. Scouts from teams like the Spurs and Wizards were closely watching his posture during warmups, trying to see if he’d hit that elusive 6-foot-10 mark.
While he hasn't quite reached the "true" 6-foot-10 height without shoes, his standing reach and 40-inch vertical leap make him play much "taller" than his listing suggests. He’s basically a pogo stick with the wingspan of a condor.
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How He Compares to Other NBA Stars
To put his size into perspective, he’s roughly the same height as Jayson Tatum. Tatum is another guy who is "6-foot-8 or 6-foot-9" depending on the day. But Flagg’s game is more defensive-minded. He uses that height to hunt for blocks from the weak side, something you usually only see from traditional centers.
Some people compare his frame to a young Kevin Garnett, though KG eventually topped out a bit taller. Still, the mobility is the same. He isn't a "stiff" 6-foot-9. He’s twitchy.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
If you’re tracking Flagg’s career, don't get hung up on the 6-foot-9 number. Instead, watch these three things:
- Shoulder Width: His frame has filled out to 221 pounds. This allows him to absorb contact when finishing at the rim, which was a minor concern during his high school days.
- Recovery Speed: Because he isn't 7 feet tall, his center of gravity is lower. This is why he doesn't get "broken" on crossovers as often as other big men.
- The Wingspan Factor: Look at how he contests shots without jumping. That 7-foot reach allows him to stay grounded and still force a miss.
To keep up with Cooper's evolving physical stats, check official NBA team rosters rather than old recruiting sites, as they update weight and height measurements after the mid-season training camps.