To the completely shock of anybody, the Dallas Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg with the primary world alternative of the NBA 2025 draft.
And the way might they not have?
Flagg was not anticipated. 1 alternative in any respect ranges after a single season with the Duke Blue Devils, and was even known as one of the best American hope in basketball since his present teammate, Anthony Davis, was drafted in 2012.
And his talent at such a younger age is surprising the legends of the NBA, together with Shaquille O’Neal, who was very vocal in his reward for Flagg and his sport.
In a Interview with RG Siddiqi DJThe NBA famend temple continued its reward, saying that Flagg was above the curve that most individuals have set for recruits within the sport right now, particularly younger individuals like Flagg who’re barely out of highschool.
“In his highlights, he seems to be phenomenal, mentioned O’Neal.” It’s best to understand that he’s an 18 -year -old youngster. You can’t exert an excessive amount of stress on him. In response to my expertise, you get two years earlier than individuals actually begin to keep, it is time to win, however I feel it’s effectively above this 18-year-old curve. “”
“Shaq” additionally praised the Dallas followers base, saying that Flagg might be effectively handled the place he’s, as a result of controversy through which the group has been half up to now few months, and in contrast it to a different Mavs legend.
“This followers base will definitely deal with him effectively by means of the ups and downs, as a result of we rejoice Dirk Nowitzki,” mentioned O’Neal. “I bear in mind Dirk when he entered for the primary time. He was not dirk, he become a dirk. However Dallas followers have at all times been nice. Cooper Flagg performs for a big group, an enormous metropolis, an enormous base of followers. He’ll go completely effectively.”
On condition that the younger star has simply dropped 31 factors on the San Antonio Spurs within the NBA Summer season League, plainly Flagg settles sooner than most anticipated him.