Why NBA Stars Are Stunned by Cooper Flagg’s Unbelievable Talent

Cooper Flagg’s rise to basketball stardom has been nothing short of sensational.

At only 17 years old, the Duke forward has stunned NBA players, coaches, and analysts by showcasing a skill set and poise rarely seen in someone so young.

His journey from high school phenom to college standout—and his jaw-dropping performance against NBA veterans—has left many wondering if he truly is the next generational talent.

Before even stepping onto the college court, Flagg made headlines by playing with the USA Select Team in scrimmages against the Team USA roster packed with NBA All-Stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis.

Not only did Flagg hold his own, but he also emerged as the best player on the court in the eyes of an NBA coach present at the event.

For a teenager to perform at that level against seasoned professionals was unprecedented and immediately put him on the radar as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Flagg’s college debut only reinforced the hype.

In his first game for Duke, he posted 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Over just 10 games, he has led his team in multiple statistical categories, averaging nearly a double-double with 15.9 points and 9 rebounds per game, along with impressive numbers in assists, steals, and blocks.

His ability to impact the game in so many ways at such a young age is what continues to astonish NBA players.

Detroit Pistons center Jaylen Duran praised Flagg’s fearless approach, noting that despite facing NBA stars daily in practice, Flagg shows no signs of intimidation.

“You would think he’s already here,” Duran said.

Fourteen-time All-Star Kevin Durant was equally impressed, describing Flagg as playing like a seasoned veteran despite his youth and predicting he will only get better with experience.

Langston Galloway, a former NBA player and longtime USA Basketball practice player, highlighted Flagg’s basketball IQ and poise.

“He’s not out there forcing shots,” Galloway explained.

“He understands the game, makes the right reads, and knows how to make plays.”

This maturity on the court is rare for someone still in their teens and speaks volumes about Flagg’s potential.

Kevin Garnett, a 15-time All-Star and one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, sees superstar potential in Flagg.

Garnett noted that while Flagg has room to learn, he is already polished enough to compete at the highest level.

“He’s got that superstar potential,” Garnett said, emphasizing the importance of putting the right support system behind the young player.

LeBron James, a four-time MVP, echoed these sentiments, predicting that Flagg will be a major contributor to Team USA in the future.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chad Holgren called Flagg “generational” for his age, praising both his skill set and understanding of the game despite never having played a college game before facing the world’s best players.

Carmelo Anthony, a ten-time All-Star, expressed excitement for Flagg’s journey and hopes the young star enjoys his time at Duke while dominating college basketball.

Other NBA players like Trace Jackson-Davis and Paul George have compared Flagg’s game to established stars, noting his competitiveness, scoring ability, and playmaking skills as indicators of a future game-changer.

Former NBA player Jeff Teague even suggested that Flagg is NBA-ready now and that spending a year in college might actually hold him back.

Teague believes Flagg has the talent to bypass college and jump straight into the professional ranks, a rare compliment that underscores the exceptional level at which Flagg is performing.

Flagg’s rise is no accident.

Even before his Duke days, he was a standout in high school, becoming the first freshman ever to win the Gatorade Player of the Year in Maine.

He dominated at Montverde Academy, one of the nation’s top programs, and excelled in elite youth competitions like the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League and the Peach Jam tournament.

His accolades include being named Mr. Basketball USA and Naismith Prep Player of the Year.

Internationally, Flagg shined as well.

Playing for the USA Under-17 team, he averaged double-digit rebounds and contributed significantly to the team’s gold medal victory at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup.

His performance earned him the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year award, making him the youngest player ever to receive that honor.

What sets Cooper Flagg apart is not just his physical attributes—standing tall with impressive athleticism—but also his versatility and basketball intelligence.

He can score from multiple areas on the court, create plays for teammates, defend aggressively, and rebound with authority.

His game is often compared to Kevin Garnett’s—combining size, skill, and a relentless motor.

While Flagg’s jumper is still developing, he compensates with crafty finishes, physical dominance, and excellent passing.

NBA fans have also taken notice, with many eagerly hoping their teams can draft Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The buzz around him is reminiscent of the excitement generated by Zion Williamson’s entry into the league, a player many see Flagg surpassing in potential.

Ultimately, Cooper Flagg’s ceiling appears sky-high.

If he continues to develop his skills and maintain his competitive drive, he could become one of the premier players in the NBA, possibly reaching the superstar status of legends like Kevin Garnett.

For now, the basketball world watches in awe as this young phenom rewrites expectations and challenges what it means to be a prodigy.

Cooper Flagg isn’t just good—he’s redefining greatness at an age when most players are still finding their footing.

And that’s why NBA players can’t stop talking about him.