In the cacophony of pre-NBA Draft chatter, where hyperbole often reigns supreme and “generational talent” is a phrase thrown around with reckless abandon, a voice of seasoned experience has cut through the noise with a dose of stark reality. That voice belongs to Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the most prolific scorers in league history. His recent critique of Duke’s highly-touted prospect, Cooper Flagg, has ignited a fervent debate, challenging the prevailing narrative around the young phenom. Anthony’s assessment: Flagg “doesn’t do anything great” and “lacks a go-to game,” a statement that has left many fans and analysts reeling, forcing a re-evaluation of the incoming freshman.
Anthony’s comments, delivered during an appearance on Paul George’s “7PM In Brooklyn” podcast, were not entirely dismissive. He acknowledged Flagg’s undeniable talent, stating, “Coop is nice. Coop is the real deal. We haven’t seen, in a while, somebody dominate every stop he went to.” This praise validates the widespread belief in Flagg’s prowess at the high school and collegiate levels, where he consistently outshone his peers, culminating in a dominant freshman season at Duke where he was named the AP Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year. He dominated stat sheets, led the Blue Devils to a strong season, and showcased a relentless competitive motor that is often lauded by scouts.
However, the former Syracuse star quickly pivoted to his central point of contention. “To me, he doesn’t do anything great,” Anthony continued. “He just does a lot of s*** very good. Offensive rebounds, very f***ing good. In the passing lanes, very good. He’s a weak-side defender, very good. On-ball defender, he got a lot better.” This nuanced perspective is critical. Anthony isn’t saying Flagg is bad; quite the contrary, he acknowledges his high-level proficiency in multiple areas. But in the cutthroat world of the NBA, especially for a projected No. 1 overall pick, “very good” in many facets isn’t necessarily enough to transcend to superstardom. Anthony’s philosophy, forged over 19 years in the league, emphasizes the need for a singular, unguardable offensive skill, a “go-to” move that can consistently generate points against the world’s best defenders.
“You’ve got to get a skill set. You can’t be in the pros and don’t have a skill set,” Anthony stressed. “You have to have something that’s your go-to. Right now, he don’t have a go-to.” This is where the core of his critique lies. Anthony, as a master of isolation scoring and a player with an iconic jab step and mid-range game, built his Hall of Fame career on his ability to create his own shot and dominate offensively when his team needed a bucket. He looks at Flagg and sees a highly versatile player, an excellent defender, a strong rebounder, and a good passer, but he doesn’t identify that one elite offensive weapon that separates him from the pack and ensures consistent scoring against NBA defenses.
Flagg’s statistical profile from his Duke season backs up some of Anthony’s observations. While he was a strong all-around contributor, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, his efficiency in isolation situations and his shot creation off the dribble were areas where scouts have noted room for improvement. His strengths are often lauded for being “connector” skills – plays that facilitate offense and defense without necessarily being the primary, creation-heavy actions. His pull-up shooting, while improved, is still an area of development, and his ability to consistently break down elite defenders off the dribble to get to the rim remains a work in progress.
Anthony’s perspective also stems from his own experience of entering the league with immense hype. While he won a national championship at Syracuse, he entered the NBA as a highly anticipated offensive force, expected to score from day one. He understands the pressure and the demands placed on a top pick, and he believes that to truly thrive as a franchise cornerstone, a player needs that undeniable offensive anchor. He brought up the challenge of playing against the likes of Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown – players who all possess unique, unguardable offensive tools. Flagg, according to Anthony, needs to develop that same kind of offensive identity.
The skepticism isn’t entirely new, though Anthony’s platform amplifies it significantly. Some anonymous league executives have also voiced concerns, suggesting that while Flagg has a high chance of becoming an All-Star, he may not be in the same “tier as recent No. 1 picks like Victor Wembanyama and Zion Williamson” – players who entered with more clearly defined, historically elite offensive skill sets or physical tools. Former NBA champion Tony Allen went even further, stating Flagg wouldn’t be a “franchise player,” predicting him to be a “one-time All-Star” at best.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the counterarguments and the broader context. Cooper Flagg reclassified to the 2024 class, meaning he played his freshman season at Duke as an extremely young player – he only recently turned 18. As Anthony himself acknowledged, “He re-classed up, he (is) supposed to be in my son’s class. Look at what he’s done. Look at he’s developed in a couple months at Duke. Think about how much better he is than a high school senior today.” This youth implies a significant ceiling for growth and development. What might appear as a “lack of go-to game” now could easily evolve with professional coaching, training, and the sheer experience of playing against NBA-level competition. Many highly effective NBA players developed their “go-to” moves later in their careers. LeBron James’s post-game, for instance, became a much more dominant tool in his later years.
Furthermore, Flagg’s defensive impact is universally praised. He is often lauded for his relentless motor, defensive versatility, and exceptional instincts, capable of guarding multiple positions and making game-changing plays as a shot-blocker and disruptor in passing lanes. In an NBA increasingly valuing two-way players, Flagg’s defensive prowess gives him an incredibly high floor. Even if his offensive game doesn’t reach the “superstar creator” level, his defensive impact and overall feel for the game could make him an indispensable piece for any team. As one scout noted, “The safest bet in the draft – he’s dominating college ball when he should still be in high school. Elite two-way connector but not a true iso creator. His floor is All-Star, ceiling is franchise cornerstone. Just wins basketball games.”
Ultimately, Carmelo Anthony’s comments serve as a valuable, albeit challenging, reality check for Cooper Flagg and the teams evaluating him. They highlight the rigorous demands of the NBA and the specific qualities needed to transition from a dominant college player to a true superstar at the professional level. While Flagg’s current skillset is undeniably impressive and his potential is immense, Anthony’s critique emphasizes the need for continuous refinement, particularly on the offensive end. It’s a challenge issued by a future Hall of Famer, urging Flagg to identify and cultivate that singular offensive weapon that can elevate him from a “very good” all-around player to an unguardable force in the NBA. The development of that “go-to” game will be the most compelling storyline for Cooper Flagg as he embarks on his professional journey.
