Brian Scalabrine, a beloved figure among Boston Celtics fans, recently shared his thoughts on Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Drawing a comparison between Flagg and LeBron James, Scalabrine highlighted Flagg’s impressive skill set and mindset, suggesting the young player could reach a similar elite level if he maintains durability like James.
Having trained Flagg since his early teenage years, Scalabrine observed how the 18-year-old athlete from Maine exhibits qualities reminiscent of a young LeBron. Flagg’s combination of defensive prowess, versatility, and basketball IQ stood out during his standout season at Duke, where he guided the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four. Now expected to join the Dallas Mavericks, Scalabrine emphasized the importance of longevity in realizing Flagg’s full potential.
The Defensive Versatility and Unique Skill Set of Cooper Flagg
Scalabrine described Flagg as “a freak of nature defensively” and compared his playing style directly to LeBron James. With a height of six-foot-eight, Flagg fits the mold of a point guard similar to James, rather than a typical shooting guard or purely athletic wing like Kawhi Leonard. His ability to handle the ball and lead on the court places him in a rare category among forwards and guards alike.
“He’s a freak of nature defensively. LeBron can run point, he can run point. Six-foot-eight point guard (Flagg). Six-foot-eight point guard (James). He trends like that more than a shooting guard or a [Kawhi] Leonard or anything like that.” —Brian Scalabrine on Cooper Flagg’s projection
Scalabrine further emphasized that while Flagg shows tremendous athletic ability, matching LeBron’s athleticism remains a high bar. Yet, their mental approaches to the game are notably alike, which Scalabrine believes is crucial for long-term success.
“He’s [Flagg] a good athlete he’s a great athlete [James]. LeBron is a super athlete. But they process the same. I know it’s unfair, but I’ll eventually be right. People will know, like, three years from now, they’ll be like, hey, yeah, Scal said it. If he has the same longevity, that’s [amazing], I’m just giving a comparison of what he could be,” —Brian Scalabrine
LeBron James Reflects on Cooper Flagg’s Path with the Dallas Mavericks
LeBron James also offered his perspective on Cooper Flagg’s upcoming NBA journey during his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash. James highlighted that Flagg will enter a unique environment with the Dallas Mavericks, where playing alongside seasoned veterans such as Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving can accelerate his growth.
Contrasting Flagg’s rookie outlook with his own experience entering the league, James noted the advantage of mentorship and team dynamics currently available to younger players like Flagg. He praised Flagg’s skills during their last meeting at the Team USA selections for the 2024 Paris Olympics, signaling high expectations.
“You know, these guys are like they’re going to give him the whole blueprint while he continues to learn what his blueprint will be, and I think that’s going to be an incredible thing for him to have.” —LeBron James on Cooper Flagg’s rookie season
期待 for NBA Draft and Flagg’s Future Impact
The Dallas Mavericks are widely anticipated to select Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, scheduled for June 28 at the Barclays Centre. This move positions Flagg to immediately influence a franchise eager to return to championship contention. Given the comparisons to LeBron James from both Scalabrine and James himself, much attention will focus on whether Flagg can sustain his early promise and evolve into a transformative player.
If Flagg can balance his impressive skill set with the physical and mental endurance required for a long NBA career, he may well carve out a legacy comparable to that of LeBron James. For now, fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the highly anticipated draft approaches and Flagg prepares to take the next step into the professional spotlight.