We’re less than a day away from the NBA Draft, from getting to know how the NBA will shape towards the 2025-26 season, from getting to know how top prospect Cooper Flagg’s career will likely be shaped. The former Blue Devil is projected to be the first overall pick, selection that is owned by the Dallas Mavericks.
Some will say the NBA gods took care of the Mavs after the Luka Doncic trade by giving them the first overall pick in the lottery. Others will say to put the brakes on and analyze how Cooper Flagg‘s game is going to translate to the professional stage, how physically and mentally prepared he is to take the next step, how complementary will team and player be. Lebron James is one to have an opinion on the subject.
Lebron James compares himself with Cooper Flagg
In the last episode of his podcast with another NBA legend in Steve Nash, they brought up the subject and the King compared himself with Flagg as he also was a first overall pick back in 2003, “One, you’re super excited, it’s what we all dream as kids. Now the moment is here, you’re in awe, and, at the same time, there’s a little anxiety and pressure that comes with it too“, explained James.
“As a number one pick, the expectations are automatically put on you, doesn’t matter if their right or wrong. It takes time…putting an 18 year old kid in a position where he has to be great right away, I think is unfair, but is something that he can also use as motivation“, added Lebron, who, when drafted, was an 18 year old kid who skipped college to go directly to the NBA.
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The King praises Flagg’s game
The former Duke alumnus is regarded as a rare 6’9 two-way star with perimeter scoring, elite defense, and playmaking. Even though Cooper just played one season at Duke, James identified this traits without a problem. “Terrific player; he had a hell of a year at Duke. A guy that can do so many different things on the floor; can play with the ball, can play without the ball”, praised Lebron.
“His jump shot is going to continue to get better, super athletic, quick second jump. Also, he has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that is established with hall of fame guys; Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, hall of fame coaching in Jason Kidd. They can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be. I believe that is going to be an incredible thing for him to have,” followed the Lakers player.
“That type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces…I think he is going to be amazing“, concluded Lebron.
Cooper Flagg’s career at Duke (one year)
- 19.2 PPG
- 4.2 APG
- 7.5 RPG
- 1.4 BPG
- 1.4 SPG
- 48.1/38.5/84 shooting %’s