As a data scientist and sports tech enthusiast, I’ve been tracking how algorithms are reshaping our understanding of athlete potential. In this piece, I dive into the surprising parallels drawn between rising NBA prospect Cooper Flagg and Dirk Nowitzki—inspired by Shaquille O'Neal’s comments—and unpack what real talent development looks like through a data lens. Beyond hype, it’s about consistency, adaptability, and long-term growth—lessons that apply far beyond basketball.