Cooper Flagg, the great freshman from Duke University, is generally anticipated to be the No. 1 overall choice in the forthcoming 2025 NBA Draft, slated for June 25. The Dallas Mavericks, who clinched the first selection despite only a 1.8% chance in the lottery, are anticipated to choose Flagg as they rebuild his lineup following the high-profile trade of Luka Doncic
Flagg had an absolutely fantastic rookie season at Duke. Leading the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four berth, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His performance garnered him various awards, including the Associated Press Player of the Year, making him only the fourth freshman in history to attain this distinction.
Despite the enormous accolades, NBA great and former Los Angeles Lakers center Carmelo Anthony recently provided a more measured opinion of Flagg’s game during an interview on Paul George’s “Podcast P.”
Anthony observed, “Coop is nice. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen someone take charge. I’m on top of his game. He doesn’t accomplish anything noteworthy, in my opinion. He simply does a great deal of [expletive].
Although that wasn’t a criticism, Anthony’s comment was surprising considering how many people view Flagg as a player who can change a franchise.
Before retiring, Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s all-time top scorers, played for the Lakers. Even though some would consider his evaluation to be harsh, it just serves to highlight the great expectations that were put on Flagg before to his NBA debut.
Teams and observers will keep examining Flagg’s play as the draft draws near, weighing his stellar collegiate record against predictions of his possible influence on the professional scene.
