Cooper Flagg, the most exciting prospect from the 2025 NBA Draft class, will likely end up in Dallas after the Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Carmelo Anthony, the NBA legend, does not seem to be too impressed with anything Flagg is bringing to the league. Anthony went on Paul George’s podcast to admit his true emotions about the prospect from Duke University.
“Cooper is nice. Cooper is the real deal… We haven’t seen in a while somebody dominate like dominate every stop he went too. He’s dominating… I’m very high on his game. To me, he doesn’t do anything great… He just do a lot of s**t very good.”
Anthony went on to praise his offensive rebounding, his ability to get in the passing lanes and the offensive skillset he is developing. Moreover, Flagg’s mental capacity will be put to the test as the Mavericks will likely hand him the keys to the reigns, per Anthony.
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his college career. He won the USWBA Freshman of the Year as well as the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the John R. Wooden Award. Essentially, Flagg won every major individual honor possible on his way to leading the Duke Blue Devils to the Final Four last season. Yet, the NBA legend does not think he’s great.
What Other NBA Players Think Of Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg caught the nation’s attention when he was selected for the Olympic Scrimmage team, where he impressed the best basketball players in the country, like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
“He looked like a hell of a player. Somebody that’s going to only get better with more experience. 17 years old coming in here playing like he’s a vet almost. No emotion. Just going out there and doing his job. That’s a good sign,” said Durant during the Olympics scrimmages.
“He kind of has a little Michael Beasley. At that size, can score, can play make, super talented, just a game-changer. I don’t think people speak enough about how good Michael Beasley was, or is. I still see clips to this day of him just doing crazy s**t online. Motherf***er is still hooping. I think the world of Cooper Flagg, man. I think he’s got the ultimate game,” said Paul George earlier last year.
Anthony still rates Flagg very highly, however, he may not be wrong in pointing out that Flagg is not the best at any single thing he does. He was 47th in the NCAA for scoring, 115th in rebounding, and 142nd for assists. What Anthony may have been trying to say is, Flagg is not the best at any one thing he does, but rather brings a combination of skills that will have an all-around impact on any team he plays on.
His athleticism and burst make him a threat on both ends, and his offensive skillset makes him a three-level scorer. He’s not the best scorer, passer, or even rebounder. However, the combined impact he has on both ends of the floor is phenomenal.
