Duke University freshman Cooper Flagg has emerged as the frontrunner to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 25. The Dallas Mavericks, who defied the odds by winning the top pick with just a 1.8% chance in the lottery, are expected to draft Flagg as part of their rebuilding efforts following the blockbuster trade of Luka Doncic.
Flagg’s debut season at Duke was exceptional—he posted averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, guiding the Blue Devils to an impressive 35-4 record and a trip to the Final Four. His efforts earned him numerous honors, including the Associated Press Player of the Year, making him just the fourth freshman ever to receive the award.
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While many consider Flagg a generational talent, NBA great and former Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony offered a more measured perspective during an appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P.”
“Coop is nice. We haven’t seen someone dominate like that in a while,” Anthony said. “I’m high on his game. But to me, he doesn’t do anything great—he just does a lot of things really well.”
Given Flagg’s status as a potential franchise cornerstone, Anthony’s candid remarks came as a surprise, though they appeared to reflect respect rather than criticism.
A 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s top all-time scorers, Anthony last played for the Lakers before announcing his retirement. His comments underscore the intense scrutiny and lofty expectations surrounding Flagg as he prepares to enter the NBA. With the draft looming, scouts and analysts will continue to evaluate whether his stellar college résumé can translate into professional stardom.
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