Cooper Flagg, the highly touted 18-year-old phenom, stole the spotlight on the eve of the NBA Draft with his take on the greatest sports debate of all time: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan. As he walked the red carpet, cameras flashing and microphones extended, Flagg delivered his verdict without hesitation: “Michael Jordan, for sure.” When asked why he chose Jordan, Flagg simply stated, “That’s the GOAT to me. I don’t know if it was how I was raised by my parents or not, but that’s just my answer.”
Before diving into the GOAT debate, Flagg had been praising his childhood basketball hero, Larry Bird. He spoke about how Bird’s work ethic and dedication to the game inspired him to model his own game after the legendary forward. “Just the things he was about… the way he played so hard on every possession,” Flagg gushed. “The way he was diving on the floor, doing all the little things. That’s kind of just the way I modeled my game when I was younger and that sort of stuff.”
As the No. 1 overall pick approached, Flagg thanked his family for their unwavering support. “It really means everything to be here with my family,” he said, surrounded by loved ones and friends from Maine. With 80 people from his hometown in attendance, Flagg felt grateful for the massive show of support. “I have a lot of friends from Maine, as well — like 80 people coming up to the draft. It’s just such a huge group of support and I have a really good circle.”
The Dallas Mavericks selected Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, pairing him with superstars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. As he joined the NBA, Flagg reflected on the surreal experience. “I don’t think it’s set in yet,” he said. “It feels like a blur. But I just feel really blessed and honored just to be here.” Flagg also dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the draft, saying, “I have no insider information.”
With his GOAT pick and admiration for Larry Bird, Flagg has already made a statement in the NBA. As he embarks on his professional journey, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this talented young star develops. Flagg’s impressive credentials, including his dominant performance at Duke University, make him a promising prospect for the Mavericks.
As Flagg begins his NBA career, he’ll be surrounded by talented teammates and coaches who will help him grow and develop as a player. With the right mindset and work ethic, Flagg has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks. The question on everyone’s mind is: what will Flagg accomplish in the NBA?
