Sports
Tony Allen isn’t buying into the hype surrounding Cooper Flagg, and he’s not shy about it. While Flagg‘s rapid rise has many projecting him as the next NBA superstar-and a likely No. 1 pick for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft-Allen is taking a very different stance.
During a recent appearance on the Chris Vernon Show, the former Boston Celtics guard and six-time All-Defensive Team selection shared a surprisingly blunt take on Flagg’s future.
Cooper Flagg’s twin brother dominates rivals as he shows that he could be better than his brother
Allen compares Flagg to Kirilenko, not Durant
“I don’t think Cooper Flagg is going to turn your franchise around like that,” Allen said. “I’m serious. I ain’t seein’ KD. I’m just not seeing all that. I’m seeing Andrei Kirilenko. That’s who I’m seeing, bro.”
Game Recap: Liberty @ Fever (5/24/25)
The mention of Kevin Durant is telling-many draft analysts have pointed to Flagg‘s size, shooting ability, and scoring versatility as a reason for the comparison. But Allen sees more of a utility player than a generational scorer.
And the skepticism didn’t stop there.
“He going to be a one-time All-Star,” Allen added. “I don’t see it, bro. [I’m] just not hyped on these Duke kids.”
Allen‘s critique appears to be rooted more in intuition than scouting. Flagg, after all, has already put together a résumé that rivals some of the best college prospects in recent memory.
As a freshman, he was voted National Player of the Year, and some NBA scouts were reportedly stunned by his performance during practices with the 2024 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team.
Stephen A. Smith, while addressing a different aspect of Flagg‘s rise, also sparked controversy. He argued on ESPN that the Mavericks should keep the No. 1 pick specifically because of Flagg‘s marketability in Texas.
“When you’ve got somebody with that kind of potential, and they’re white, and you are in America, you keep that dude,” Smith said. “I’m telling you right now… just think about the marketability.”
Even with the noise, most scouts and analysts agree: Flagg is a special talent. He can shoot the three, hit mid-range jumpers, post up, protect the rim, and defend multiple positions. And he turned 18 during his standout freshman season.
Tony Allen‘s defensive chops gave him credibility in the league, but in this case, his dismissal of Flagg‘s star power seems out of step with what the basketball world has seen so far.
If Flagg lives up to his billing, he won’t just be an All-Star-he could be a face of the league.
This news was originally published on this post .
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