Jan 25, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) handles the ball against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

NBA Star Paul George Makes Feelings Clear About Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 31, 2025 6:36 PM ET

Cooper Flagg is widely seen as the player who will be selected with the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft (by the Dallas Mavericks).

He finished his one year at Duke with outstanding averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from the three-point range in 37 games.

Before the NBA Draft (which will be on June 25), Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George spoke about Flagg.

George (via Podcast P with Paul George): "I think he's going to be an All-Star. When it's all said and done, I think he's going to go down as one of the best players our league has seen. He's got that talent."

Those are strong words coming from George (who is a nine-time NBA All-Star).

Real Sports: "Cooper Flagg is the first 17-year-old in NCAA history to record multiple 20/10 games."

Cooper Flagg is the first 17-year-old in NCAA history to record multiple 20/10 games. pic.twitter.com/qR9vf8rs5X
— Real Sports (@realapp_) December 9, 2024

If George ends up being correct, the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery could go down among the most influential in league history.

The Mavs (who already have Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis), had less than a 2% chance to win the top pick.

THE MAVS HAD A 1.8% CHANCE AT THE NUMBER 1 PICK pic.twitter.com/iyLZjqqj87
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) May 12, 2025

In addition to his strong stats, Flagg also led the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

Via Overtime: "COOPER FLAGG VS NOTRE DAME:

42 PTS (DUKE FRESHMAN RECORD)
11/14 FG
4/6 3PM
6 REB
7 AST
1 STL

WOW."

COOPER FLAGG VS NOTRE DAME:

42 PTS (DUKE FRESHMAN RECORD)
11/14 FG
4/6 3PM
6 REB
7 AST
1 STL

WOW. pic.twitter.com/EYixh2Uek3
— Overtime (@overtime) January 11, 2025

As for George, he is coming off his 15th NBA season (and first with the 76ers).

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

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