Paul George Makes Controversial Statement on Cooper Flagg's NBA Draft Status

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 10:02 PM ET

While the NBA draft isn't until June, the conversation around the player many consider the clear No. 1 overall pick—Duke Blue Devils freshman sensation Cooper Flagg—continues to grow.

Flagg is excelling in Durham, North Carolina, and is firmly in contention to be named National Player of the Year as the NCAA Tournament approaches in just under a month.

However, adding fuel to the fire, nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George stirred the conversation further when he stated that he wouldn't select Flagg No. 1 overall this summer.

George believes that Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey has more upside and would pick Bailey over Flagg, a statement he shared publicly on his podcast, "Podcast P with Paul George."

"Both of them are extremely talented," George said. "If I had to pick, I would probably go with Ace Bailey. I think Ace has a bit more raw talent and still a ton of upside. Cooper Flagg, not to say he doesn't have upside—he definitely does—but I think Ace has a little bit more. I believe there's more potential for him to scratch the surface of his game than Cooper can. That being said, I think both of them will be All-Stars and superstars once they develop and get to the NBA."

Statistically, both Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey are having exceptional seasons. However, Flagg is experiencing much more team success, which is not surprising given his position at a powerhouse like Duke, compared to Bailey at Rutgers.

This season, Flagg is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks, while the Blue Devils are ranked No. 3 in the country and lead the ACC. He leads the entire Duke team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

On the other hand, Bailey is averaging 18.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals for Rutgers, which currently has a 13-14 record. The Scarlet Knights are unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament, likely needing to win the Big Ten Tournament to secure an automatic bid.

Nonetheless, the drama will unfold on June 25, when the NBA draft takes center stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

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

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