Cooper Flagg draws comparison to LeBron James by former NBA champion
Flagg led Duke to the Final Four, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks on 38.5% shooting from 3-point range. He became the 22nd player in program history to be named a consensus first-team All-American.
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The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to the likes of Grant Hill, Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum. Former 12-year NBA veteran and champion Brian Scalabrine, speaking Tuesday on the "Dan Patrick Show," said Flagg reminds him of James based on how he processes the game mentally.
Scalabrine revealed that he previously spent time training Flagg when he was entering high school in Maine. He was impressed with how quickly he was able to add new skill sets to his game at such a young age and how he still has that trait now, as he is on the verge of entering the NBA.
I think it is LeBron James without having to be 260 pounds and a freight train. Cooper Flagg is a supercomputer. Everything you tell him, within 24 hours, he figured it out. The next time you tell him something else, (he figures it out). ... I've been around a lot of players. I've been around Hall of Fame players, I've never met someone who can just pick up things at such a high rate. When people talk about NBA players (not making it), a lot of it has to do with their computer and processor. He just processes on a rate that I've never seen before, so I'm only assuming that it's like LeBron James.
Flagg established himself as the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 pick because of his size, athleticism and ability to affect games on both ends of the court. Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski even called him the best freshman to ever play with the Blue Devils.
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The 6-foot-8 forward is expected to join the Dallas Mavericks on June 25 after reportedly meeting with the organization this week. He isn't expected to work out with any other teams, likely after receiving word that the team would select him with the first pick.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said last month that he believes the team is an excellent situation for Flagg, with their mixture of established veterans and up-and-coming players. He believes Flagg will be able to step in and make an immediate contribution.
After trading away cornerstone Luka Dončić, the Mavericks hope Flagg can step in and be their long-term solution. Should Flagg indeed hear his name called first, the ACC Freshman of the Year will become the sixth Blue Devil to be selected as the top pick.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Cooper Flagg: Projected No. 1 pick draws LeBron comp. by NBA champion
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