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Cooper Flagg Names the NBA’s Best Player of All Time Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:18 PM ET

Former Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is set to start his professional basketball career, becoming the clear choice for the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Flagg became arguably the best player in college basketball during his freshman year at Duke. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, leading his team in all categories. But his college journey ended in the Final Four at the hands of Houston.

Ahead of the draft, Flagg joined Bleacher Report for a 1-on-1 interview. He was asked to give his five favorite NBA players of all time and why. Naturally, growing up in Maine, the first two stars Flagg listed were Boston Celtics players.

"One would probably be Larry Bird because I grew up, you know, watching some of his stuff," Flagg said. "Two, I would say (Jayson) Tatum. Just that I watched him a lot."

Then, Flagg went on to name his No. 3 favorite player of all time, dubbing Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan as the greatest NBA player ever in the process.

"Three, Jordan, just because, you know, he's the GOAT," Flagg added.

Flagg finished by listing his No. 4 and No. 5 as Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, respectively.

"And then I'll say LeBron and Kobe. Legends."

Normally, the NBA GOAT debate comes down to Jordan and James. While James has four championships and countless records, Jordan’s perfect 6–0 record in the NBA Finals, along with two three-peats, keeps the debate alive.

While James holds records such as the most points in NBA history, Jordan has notable achievements of his own. The former North Carolina star won six NBA Finals MVP awards in six appearances and 10 scoring titles, both records.

Flagg will be joining a loaded Mavericks team that was in the NBA Finals just one year ago. But Kyrie Irving will likely be out for the majority of the upcoming season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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