Chris Paul Backs Cooper Flagg: NBA Legend Sold on the Draft’s Hottest Prospect
As the NBA Draft looms ever closer, the buzz surrounding Duke’s Cooper Flagg continues to grow—and with good reason. But in an era where smokescreens, misleading leaks, and strategic misinformation run rampant leading up to draft night, it’s getting harder to know who or what to trust. Franchises, in a bid to protect their interests, have mastered the art of deception. One team’s glowing review of a player could just as easily be a trap meant to lure another franchise into making a costly mistake. On the flip side, talking down a promising star might be a subtle move to ensure he slides into their hands at the right pick.
But beyond the noise of team executives and anonymous scouts, there’s a certain class of commentary that still carries real weight—insight from veterans who have played the game at the highest level. And when that veteran is none other than Chris Paul, one of the most respected and cerebral point guards the NBA has ever seen, people tend to pay attention.
Paul didn’t hold back when asked about Cooper Flagg during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The 12-time All-Star, who spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, had plenty to say—and none of it was lukewarm.
“I‘m just like everybody else: I’m a fan,” Paul said. “I was at home in L.A., and I was watching the ping-pong balls like everybody, and when I saw the Spurs pop into the top four, we were going crazy. Guys on my team in the group chat, we were like, ‘What is about to happen?’ I’m in L.A. right now, and Cooper Flagg has been out there. I’ve been in the gym with him a couple of times. He is as real as advertised.”
Coming from Paul, that’s not a throwaway compliment. With a career built on precision, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game, Paul has never been known for empty praise. His words suggest not only admiration but also belief in Flagg’s readiness to step into the league and make an impact.
And the timing couldn’t be more interesting. With Dallas holding the number one pick in the upcoming draft, and Flagg all but locked in as the top prospect, Paul’s endorsement carries additional significance. Reports have quietly linked the veteran guard to a possible move to Dallas—a team that could benefit from his leadership and experience as they usher in a new era potentially led by the 6-foot-9 sensation out of Duke.
Cooper Flagg has already been touted as a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s a hybrid of forward and guard, capable of initiating offense, finishing with power, and defending multiple positions. His IQ, athleticism, and versatility make him a unique commodity, and at just 17, he carries himself like someone who’s been in the spotlight far longer than he has.
What makes the Paul-Flagg connection compelling is the natural synergy they could create. Paul, at 40, is no longer the elite scorer or floor general he once was, but his presence in a locker room and on the practice court remains invaluable. He understands pace, spacing, situational basketball, and the kind of intangible nuances that make the difference in close playoff games. For a player like Flagg, who already possesses the raw tools to dominate, having a mentor like Chris Paul could be career-defining.
Though Paul is a free agent, the possibility of him landing in Dallas is more than just idle speculation. If the Mavericks decide to bring in Paul, it won’t be for nostalgia—it’ll be strategic. A veteran presence who can still orchestrate an offense, mentor young stars, and perhaps even close out a few games when needed? That’s a commodity worth signing.
For now, what we know is this: Chris Paul has seen Flagg up close. He’s played against the best for nearly two decades and has nothing left to prove. So when he says Cooper Flagg is “as real as advertised,” it’s a statement that should cut through the draft-week noise.
Flagg has the potential. Paul sees it. And if Dallas is wise, they’ll not only draft the Duke star but seriously consider pairing him with a veteran who can guide him into greatness.
One thing is certain: the Brotherhood Draft Watch just got a lot more interesting.
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