Kevin Durant has seen enough from Cooper Flagg to make a bold prediction about the Dallas Mavericks rookie’s future. After Houston’s 110–102 win over Dallas, the 15-time All-Star said that Flagg’s ceiling could reach historic levels.
“I think that he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Durant said, via Dallas Hoops Journal. “I think that he’s going to be such a nightmare… that… he’ll be considered one of the best of all time.”
Durant’s remarks came after Flagg finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 34 minutes. The 18-year-old forward, who has started every game for Dallas this season, shot 5-for-10 from the field and 2-for-5 from deep in the loss.
Flagg’s adjustment to the professional level has shown flashes of both promise and transition. In his first seven games, he’s averaging 13.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 33.3 percent from three. Those numbers reflect steady growth after a mixed October that included two 20-plus point outings.
Durant noted that Flagg’s positional shift mirrors the one he experienced as a young player. “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.”
The Houston forward added a personal reflection. “I hate to inject myself into his [situation],” Durant said. “But I came in college playing four, five. I came to the league playing a two. So it’s like position changes like that can really throw you off early on in your career, but I think he’s still working through it and having some good games, you know?”
Durant’s comments carried both perspective and patience. “It’s only a matter of time before he gets it and clicks for him,” he said. “He understands truly what his role is — I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
