LeBron James vs Cooper Flagg: Why Duke Superstar will Have Better Resources than NBA Legend

Cooper Flagg becomes just the 2nd youngest player after LeBron James to be drafted as the No.1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

LeBron James vs Cooper Flagg: Why Duke Superstar will Have Better Resources than NBA Legend

Cooper Flagg (Image by FirstSportz)

Cooper Flagg of Duke was the first name called when the NBA draft began Wednesday night at the Barclays Center. It should come as no surprise that he did everything for the Blue Devils the previous season, leading them in assists, steals, rebounds, and points as they advanced to the Final Four. With this pick, he also becomes the second youngest No. 1 pick of all time behind none other than NBA legend, LeBron James.

Given that, the King himself had a few kind words for the new Maverick. James isn’t afraid to give credit to the next generation, and his most recent compliment goes to a Dallas Mavericks rookie. Steve Nash and James talked about the 2025 NBA Draft and the much-anticipated debut of Flagg, the former Duke standout who was selected by Dallas with the first overall pick.

Additionally, James asserts that Flagg is in an ideal position to succeed from the start.

These guys, they can give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be. And I think that’s gonna be an incredible thing for him to have. That type of presence, that type of leadership, that type of just basketball IQ and knowledge around him every single day from those pieces. So, I think he’s going to be amazing.

LeBron James said

James, who was a No. 1 choice himself when he joined the league in 2003, understands the pressure Flagg is under right now, but he’s quick to note that the 17-year-old is entering a far more secure and encouraging atmosphere. James carried a normal Cleveland Cavaliers side as a rookie.

The Cavs’ lineup wasn’t comparable to what the Mavs will be using next season, if Flagg stays healthy, and James didn’t qualify for the playoffs until his third season. Flagg has all the pieces for him to succeed in today’s world if he manages to stay fit and put in consistent performances year after year.

Cooper Flagg 2
Cooper Flagg (Credits: X)

Before declaring for the draft, Flagg was voted the national player of the year. At Duke, he produced 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 38.5 percent from outside the arc. He now plays for the Mavericks, a squad rich in championship history and experience.

Kendrick Perkins had a unique take on Cooper Flagg before the NBA 2025 Draft

During ESPN’s Draft Day program, Kendrick Perkins boldly and strikingly declared Cooper Flagg to be one of the sport’s most promising up-and-coming talents. He went as far as calling Flagg a mixture of NBA greats, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett. Perkins is known for making bold predictions, and this comparison of Flagg to two of the best players in the NBA over the past 20 years was no different.

If LeBron James and Kevin Garnett had a baby, you’d get Cooper Flagg.

Kendrick Perkins said

Without a doubt, Flagg has a generational skill, and if he were to overtake Garnett and James, he would most likely sign with a team that would allow him to compete right away. Dallas’ other role players, including Anthony Davis, will still be able to help even though Kyrie Irving will be away for a while.

Cooper Flagg made his intentions clear regarding the former Maverick, Luka Doncic

It appears that the Dallas Mavericks may soon get a mentality monster in addition to a gifted player in Cooper Flagg. It is evident in his recent interview conducted before the NBA 2025 Draft day. Before his rumored transfer to the Mavs, Flagg provided numerous answers to questions. The possibility of emulating former Maverick Luka Doncic was one among them.

I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure–I’m not worried about living up to certain players’ expectations or things like that. I’m just going to be myself and try to get better every day.

Cooper Flagg told the media

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while he was a Duke scholar. He had to make a similar decision this year after his first season with the Blue Devils. He could have stayed in college for another season, but instead, he decided to enter the NBA Draft and show off his abilities on a major scale.

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