Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has witnessed enough from rookie sensation Cooper Flagg to make a confident prediction: the Mavericks teenager is destined for greatness. Dallas has struggled early this season, holding a 2-5 record after losing to the Rockets 110-102 on Monday night. Despite the team's injury challenges, Durant remains highly optimistic about Flagg's future.
“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 only 18 years old, Flagg has already demonstrated signs of elite two-way talent. Standing 6’9”, he has been placed in the point guard role under coach Jason Kidd, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game. Although these statistics might appear modest, Durant believes they don’t capture the full extent of Flagg’s impact.
“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.”
Durant’s insight highlights the notable position shift Flagg is making as he adapts his game to the NBA level.
Author’s summary: Kevin Durant confidently forecasts Cooper Flagg’s rise as an all-time great, praising his transition to point guard and two-way potential despite a slow statistical start.