May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with injured Wizards guard John Wall (L) and Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (M) after making the game-winning basket against the Atlanta Hawks as time expired in the fourth quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Paul Pierce Takes Clear Position On Cooper Flagg Decision

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 2:02 AM ET

Cooper Flagg is coming off an incredible freshman season for the Duke Blue Devils.

The 18-year-old averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 48.8% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point range in 32 games.

With the NBA Draft coming up, Hall of Famer Paul Pierce made his feelings clear that he believes Flagg should not consider returning to Duke.

Kevin Garnett asked Pierce what he would say if he was Flagg's hypothetical father.

Pierce (h/t kg certified): "Once the NCAA Tournament is over, we going to check out of class and we going to get these workouts in and get ready for the draft... Is your dream to go the NBA? It's right here, right now... Let's take advantage of that... We leaving school... Once the tournament is over, we out of school."