Unknown date; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Portland Trail Blazers at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg Makes Feelings Clear About Boston Celtics Legend Larry Bird

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:15 PM ET

Cooper Flagg had one of the best seasons in Duke Men's Basketball history (for a freshamn).

The 18-year-old has solidified himself as the clear choice for the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft (on Wednesday night).

Via The Athletic: "NEWS: Ahead of Wednesday's NBA Draft, the state of Maine is declaring June 25, 2025 "Flagg Day."

Duke star Cooper Flagg, a Maine native, is expected to be selected No. 1 overall."

NEWS: Ahead of Wednesday's NBA Draft, the state of Maine is declaring June 25, 2025 "Flagg Day."

Duke star Cooper Flagg, a Maine native, is expected to be selected No. 1 overall. pic.twitter.com/zQ3Q39ogkm
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 25, 2025

Before the draft (in New York), Flagg mentioned Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird when he was asked a question by the media (h/t Overtime).

Reporter: "Cooper, what's one celebrity you would want to see on your first NBA game courtside?"

Flagg: "I don't know if you count Larry Bird as a celebrity, that would be really cool."

Cooper Flagg wants Larry Bird courtside at his first NBA game @Cooper_Flagg pic.twitter.com/hZqc9HxNqc
— Overtime (@overtime) June 25, 2025

For such a young player to show love to Bird, fans will likely enjoy Flagg's appreciation of the history of the game.

Via Spotrac: "As the #1 overall pick in tonight's #NBADraft, Cooper Flagg will secure a 4 year, $62.7M contract with the Dallas Mavericks, including $13.8M in 2025-26."

As the #1 overall pick in tonight's #NBADraft, Cooper Flagg will secure a 4 year, $62.7M contract with the Dallas Mavericks, including $13.8M in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/a9nLmXuV2Q
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 25, 2025

Bird retired after the 1991-92 season.

He spent all 13 years of his career playing for the Celtics.

The three-time NBA Champion has career averages were 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.6% from the three-point range in 897 games.

Via The Boston Celtics: "The only players with 2,800+ PTS, 900+ REB and 500+ AST through their first 117 playoff games:

Jayson Tatum
Larry Bird
LeBron James"

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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