NBA legend John Salley has issued a warning to Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg as he considers entering the NBA draft. Salley, a four-time NBA champion, cautioned Flagg about the potential financial pitfalls of leaving college early.
In an interview with a prominent sports media outlet, Salley expressed his concerns about Flagg’s potential decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility. “If he comes out, he’s gonna lose tons of money,” Salley warned. “He’s not gonna be able to get the max deal that he’s gonna get if he stays in school.”
Salley’s comments come as Flagg is widely expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. The Duke freshman has been dominating the college basketball scene, leading the Blue Devils to a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite his impressive performance, Salley believes that Flagg would benefit from staying in college for at least another year. “He needs to develop his game, he needs to get stronger, he needs to learn how to play with his back to the basket,” Salley explained.
Salley’s concerns about Flagg’s readiness for the NBA are not unfounded. Many college players who have entered the draft early have struggled to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the professional game.
Flagg’s decision will likely have significant implications for his future career. If he enters the draft and is selected as a top pick, he will likely receive a lucrative rookie contract. However, if he stays in college and continues to develop his game, he may be able to secure an even more lucrative deal in the future.
Salley’s warning to Flagg is not just about the financial implications of his decision. It’s also about the importance of being prepared for the challenges of the NBA. “The NBA is a man’s league,” Salley said. “You gotta be ready to compete against the best of the best.”
As Flagg weighs his options, he would do well to heed Salley’s warning. While the temptation of entering the NBA draft may be strong, staying in college and continuing to develop his game may ultimately be the best decision for his future career.
Ultimately, the decision is Flagg’s to make. However, with Salley’s warning echoing in his ears, he may want to think twice before making the leap to the NBA.
