4-Time NBA All-Star Facing Backlash for Cooper Flagg Opinion

Following a 2024 NBA Draft that was widely viewed as the weakest of the past decade, the 2025 NBA Draft is loaded with potential franchise-changing prospects.

The consensus headliner of the class is Duke Blue Devils freshman and Naismith Men's Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg. The former No. 1 overall recruit is being viewed as America's next generational talent, possessing a skill set that allows him to do a bit of everything on the floor. He led the Blue Devils in all five major statistics en route to their Final Four appearance. 

With the NBA Draft Lottery going in the Mavericks' favor, as they secured the No. 1 pick despite having a 1.8% chance, it has already been confirmed that they plan to take Flagg. However, while it wouldn't be surprising if they were already printing Flagg jerseys in Dallas, four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins recently revealed that he views Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey as the true No. 1 pick on a recent episode of "Run it Back."

"To me, Ace Bailey is the No. 1 pick," Cousins said. "Yeah, I think Ace Bailey is the No. 1 pick. I think he's the closest thing we've seen to a Tracy McGrady."

Albeit a bold stance, it's one that many fans online were blasting Cousins for.

"Boogie was a great basketball player but this is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard," wrote one user.

"And let the Spurs get Cooper Flagg? We are good lmfao," suggested another.

"Every take he’s ever had is wrong. It’s actually impressive," wrote a third.

"Thank God Boogie isn't a GM," joked another.

"Bro just yapping to yap," commented one user.

"Be honest who listens to Cousins," questioned another.