Kevin Durant on Cooper Flagg’s Future Greatness
After the Dallas Mavericks’ 110–102 defeat to the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant shared his thoughts on promising rookie Cooper Flagg, describing him as “a nightmare” and emphasizing that it’s only a matter of time before everything “clicks” for him.
Through his first seven games of the season, Flagg has averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, offering glimpses of the two-way skill set that made him the top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Against Houston, he added 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists, continuing his steady progression.
Hailing from Maine and a star at Duke, Flagg entered the league carrying lofty expectations. As the No. 1 overall pick, he symbolizes Dallas’s transition into a new era following Luka Dončić’s departure, embodying both potential and the weight of leadership.
“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.”
Durant’s endorsement underscores his belief in Flagg’s long-term greatness and suggests that the young forward could define the next generation of NBA talent.
Author’s Summary
Kevin Durant praised Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, predicting his blend of talent and drive will secure him a spot among basketball’s all-time greats.