As the basketball world sets its sights on Cooper Flagg, one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory, NBA legend Dwight Howard has stepped forward with timely advice for the Duke phenom.
Flagg, just 18 years old, recently completed a historic freshman season at Duke, turning heads across the country with his incredible versatility, defensive prowess, and fearless approach to the game. With mock drafts unanimously projecting him as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg has become the talk of basketball circles — and legends of the game are starting to take notice.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Above The Rim with DH12, eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard offered some words of wisdom to Flagg and other rising stars preparing to make the leap to the professional ranks.
“I’m hoping he has an awesome career in the NBA,” Howard said. “It’s just gonna depend — all these players — really on how disciplined they are.”
Howard, who entered the NBA straight from high school as the No. 1 pick in 2004, knows better than most what it takes to navigate the spotlight and pressure that comes with being a top prospect. Over the course of a decorated career, Howard earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards, an NBA Championship, and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Reflecting on the modern game and the challenges young stars face, Howard emphasized that talent alone is not enough.
“Being in the NBA, I think it comes down to discipline,” Howard continued. “When you have access to a lot of money, you have access to anything… I hope that he uses his access to get in the gym and get better. All these guys. If they do, man, they’re going to take the game and the NBA to a whole other level.”
Flagg’s work ethic has already been praised by coaches and teammates at Duke, where he led the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, and blocks — all while showcasing a maturity beyond his years. Still, the jump to the NBA comes with new challenges: the grind of an 82-game season, increased scrutiny, and the temptation that comes with newfound wealth and fame.
Howard’s comments serve as both encouragement and a cautionary tale — a reminder that natural ability must be paired with relentless focus and commitment. It’s a message echoed by many former greats, but perhaps especially powerful coming from someone who has seen the heights and the hardships of NBA life firsthand.
As the countdown to the 2025 NBA Draft begins, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg. But beyond the headlines, highlight reels, and hype, it will be his dedication to growth and discipline — as Dwight Howard wisely pointed out — that determines just how far he can go.
For now, Flagg is poised for greatness. Whether he fulfills his sky-high potential may just come down to what he chooses to do when the cameras are off and the g
- ym is empty.
