Kevin Durant Predicts Cooper Flagg Will Become ‘One of the Best All-Time’
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has watched rookie sensation Cooper Flagg closely and made a bold prediction: the Mavericks teenager is destined for greatness. Dallas has had a rough start to the season, now 2-5 after a 110-102 loss to the Rockets on Monday night. Despite the team’s injury issues, Durant is impressed with Flagg’s potential.
“I think that he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think that he’s going to be such a nightmare… that… he’ll be considered one of the best of all time.”
At just 18, Flagg has already shown glimpses of elite two-way ability. The 6’9” forward has taken on the point guard role under coach Jason Kidd, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game. Although the stats may seem modest, Durant feels they don’t capture the whole picture.
“I think that you’re going from in college playing four and five to playing point guard, two guard,” Durant explained. “That’s going to be an adjustment period for everybody. I hate to inject myself into his situation, but I came in college playing four, five. I came to the league playing a two.”
Flagg's Early Impact and Role Shift
- Flagg is 18 years old and 6’9” tall.
- He plays multiple positions, shifting from frontcourt roles in college to backcourt roles in the NBA.
- Under Jason Kidd, Flagg is handling point guard responsibilities.
- His current average stats: 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3 assists per game.
Durant's Perspective
Durant sees Flagg’s transition as significant and demanding but believes his talent will help him rise. He relates to Flagg’s position change, sharing his own experience of switching roles between college and the NBA.
Author's summary: Kevin Durant confidently predicts that young Cooper Flagg, adapting to new roles with skill, is on track to become one of basketball's all-time greats.