“He could have statue,” Kevin Love turns ‘disrespectful’ Cooper Flagg comparison into huge praise for Duke superstar

Miami Heat and NBA legend Kevin Love is in awe of Duke Bluedevils star Cooper Flagg's recent displays for his side.

“He could have statue,” Kevin Love turns ‘disrespectful’ Cooper Flagg comparison into huge praise for Duke superstar

Kevin Love and Cooper Flagg

Radio host Dan Patrick recently took aim at Miami Heat forward Kevin Love on his podcast while discussing Duke star Cooper Flagg. With Flagg drawing significant interest from NBA teams ahead of the 2025-26 season, Patrick asserted that if Flagg’s career mirrored Love’s, it would be ‘a disappointment.’

However, Love, known for his witty and hilarious nature, had a humble response. Love took the high road in this case, amusing the public on social media on Friday with some incredibly inventive messages. The Miami player seemed to concur with the general attitude, but NBA social had a lot to say regarding Patrick disrespecting Love lately.

YouTube video

For those who will take this as a shot at me…I don’t take it as such. I was pure skill & will. Cooper is far more talented than I ever was and if he stays healthy will have a far better career. He could very well have a statue by the time he’s finished. I’m a HUGE fan.

Kevin Love wrote on X

Love is a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player, and a memorable NBA champion from 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He currently plays for the Miami Heat. Since nothing in life is certain, Flagg would most likely accept Love’s CV at this time.

As for the Duke star, in 35 games, Flagg is shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range, averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. When Duke defeated Arizona 100-93 (on Thursday), he guided them to the Elite 8. It will be interesting to watch which NBA franchise snatches Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Kevin Love is amazed by upcoming stars Cooper Flagg and Cam Boozer

Since the Miami Heat forward joined the league in 2008, the NBA has undergone significant change. Love claims that the players, particularly Cooper Flagg of Duke, have advanced to a new level. In the June NBA draft, the 6-foot-9 Flagg is anticipated to be selected first overall.

Another player that impressed Love was Cam Boozer, the five-star prospect who will succeed Flagg as the mainstay of Jon Scheyer‘s upcoming Blue Devils recruiting class.

Now, you’re getting these guys that are 6-8 plus, 6-10, 7 feet tall, that are just really doing everything out there on the floor, And I think it’s just incredibly hard to guard and it’s taking the game to a really amazing place as well, because you’re seeing these guys that are unicorns out there, guys that are really doing everything and refining their skills, whereas in the past they might not have worked on these things. The growth within the game, it’s really amazing to see where it has gone.

Kevin Love told ESPN

Boozer and his twin, Cayden Boozer, will be the mainstays of Scheyer’s top-ranked recruiting class, which will be set in motion by Flagg’s inevitable departure to the NBA. Similar to Flagg, Boozer is a multifaceted 6-foot-9 star who can have a variety of effects on the game. One this is certain: the Duke Bluedevils produce top-notch players every year.

NBA analyst makes huge claim regarding youngster Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg has been receiving immense praise for his recent performance for the Duke Bluedevils. So much so that he is getting the ‘future best NBA player’ shouts already. NBA and ‘The Herd’ analyst Colin Cowherd did not waste time to let out his opinions on the youngster. Cowherd feels Flagg would be the best player the basketball program has ever produced.

Since Coach K took over Duke and Jon Scheyer, they’ve had 90 guys in the NBA. I think Cooper Flagg is going to be their best NBA player ever.

Colin Cowherd said on The Herd

Cowherd has pointed out one problem for Flagg, who is probably going pro this year. According to Cowherd, there may be issues with the teams he could end up with. The Herd host thinks the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs would be good places for Flagg to develop, but the Utah Jazz could be able to acquire him or the Washington Wizards instead.