NBA Stars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic…read more
In a surprising twist leading up to the NBA Draft, rising basketball prodigy Cooper Flagg made headlines for his blunt comments about three of the league’s most iconic stars — LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Doncic. During a pre-draft media session, Flagg was asked which NBA players had influenced his game the most. Rather than offering the expected nods to current legends, Flagg named a completely different set of players, pointedly excluding James, Curry, and Doncic.
“I respect what they’ve done,” Flagg said. “But I’ve never modeled my game after them. I look up to players who play with grit, not just flash.”
The comments sparked immediate reaction across social media, with fans and analysts divided. Some praised the young forward’s confidence and individuality, while others called the remarks disrespectful and unnecessarily dismissive of future Hall of Famers.
Despite the controversy, Flagg’s draft stock remained untouched. The Dallas Mavericks selected him with their top pick, signaling their belief in his talent and mental toughness. Team insiders reportedly admired his fearless demeanor and competitive edge, qualities they believe will translate well at the professional level.
While the 18-year-old may have ruffled feathers with his bold opinions, he’s now set to share the locker room with one of the very stars he dismissed — Luka Doncic. Whether the two can build chemistry on the court remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg isn’t afraid to make waves.
