Cooper Flagg Not a Franchise Player, 2008 Boston Celtics NBA Champion Proclaims

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated May 23, 2025 11:52 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks and their oft-maligned general manager Nico Harrison quieted the doubters recently with their luck-infused win in the 2025 NBA draft Lottery, giving the Mavs the first crack at projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg in this year's draft.

Flagg led the Duke Blue Devils to the 2025 Final Four, a trip that resulted in a loss to the Houston Cougars in the waning moments of what looked like a surefire Blue Devils' victory.

Recently, a former 2008 NBA champion and defensive stopper with the Boston Celtics, Tony Allen, took to the microphone of a podcast to share his thoughts on Flagg's potential at the next level.

Allen shocked his co-hosts as he compared Flagg to a one-time former Utah Jazz All-Star, pouring cold water on hopes that he is capable of turning a franchise around.

"I don't think Cooper Flagg going to turn your franchise around like that," Allen said in a podcast segment posted by GrindCityMedia. "I ain't seein' KD...I'm seeing (former Utah Jazz forward) Andrei Kirilenko.

"He going to be a one-time All-Star," Allen continued, saying he's "just not hyped on these Duke kids."

Allen then tripled-down on his take.

"He is nice...But his max out potential is Andrei Kirilenko," Allen continued, refusing to give Flagg Rookie of the Year favorite status.

Flagg won the Naismith Award as the nation's best player in 2024-25 before leading his team to a regional win in the NCAA Tournament.

The Mavericks may rely on Flagg to replace Luka Doncic if they choose him first overall in the 2025 draft this June.