In a league where rising stars are scrutinized from the moment they touch a basketball, few prospects have captured the NBA’s collective imagination quite like Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, already hailed as one of the most complete teenage basketball players in recent memory, was projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But when 12-time NBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer Chris Paul recently gave a ringing public endorsement of Flagg’s character, work ethic, and elite potential, the buzz around the Duke phenom reached a new level.
Paul’s statement didn’t just confirm what scouts already believed — it elevated Flagg from a prodigy to a future face of the NBA.
A Voice That Matters
Chris Paul’s influence in the basketball world is impossible to overstate. As a veteran point guard, NBPA President, and one of the most respected leaders in sports, Paul’s words carry substantial weight. His eye for talent is well-documented, whether mentoring young teammates or evaluating prospects through his youth basketball programs.
So when Paul said during an interview on NBA Countdown, “Cooper Flagg has the mind of a 10-year vet and the motor of a kid who just wants to get better every day. That’s a rare combination — he’s going to be special,” people listened.
For NBA executives, scouts, and general managers, Paul’s words are akin to a seal of authenticity. In an era where social media hype often overshadows substance, Paul’s endorsement felt like an antidote — a grounded, basketball-savvy evaluation from someone who knows what greatness looks like.
The Rising Star from Maine
Cooper Flagg’s story is as compelling as his on-court skills. Coming from a state not known for producing basketball stars, Flagg first gained national attention while playing for Nokomis Regional High School. He dominated local competition before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida — a powerhouse program that has churned out NBA players like Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett.
At Montverde, Flagg didn’t just blend in; he stood out. His versatile skill set — including elite shot-blocking, defensive instincts, high basketball IQ, and an evolving offensive game — allowed him to dominate in one of the toughest prep circuits in the country. He reclassified to the Class of 2024, graduated early, and committed to Duke University, where he is set to suit up in the 2024–25 season.
A Duke Debut with Massive Implications
Flagg’s season at Duke will be closely watched, not just by fans of the Blue Devils but by every NBA front office. With Chris Paul’s endorsement on record, there will be increased attention to how Flagg leads a youthful yet talented Duke roster under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Many analysts believe Flagg will be the most NBA-ready freshman since Zion Williamson — another Duke alum whose hype matched and even exceeded expectations. But unlike Williamson, whose game leaned on explosiveness and strength, Flagg brings a more nuanced approach: he is a cerebral player, fundamentally sound, and defensively versatile. He’s capable of switching across all five positions, initiating offense, and anchoring a defense.
Chris Paul, known for dissecting defenses and thinking multiple plays ahead, sees in Flagg a similar level of processing speed. That’s a rare compliment, especially from someone who’s played with Hall of Famers and against some of the greatest talents of all time.
Leadership and Character: The Paul Stamp
Beyond the basketball skills, what truly makes Paul’s endorsement impactful is his emphasis on Flagg’s intangibles. “The kid just wants to learn. He doesn’t think he knows it all — that’s rare nowadays,” Paul said. “He listens. He works. He leads without making it about himself.”
These are not throwaway compliments. In an NBA landscape where culture matters as much as talent — especially for rebuilding teams — Flagg’s maturity could make him the ideal franchise cornerstone. Paul’s praise suggests that Flagg is not only physically ready but emotionally and mentally prepared for the challenges of being the No. 1 pick and the face of a franchise.
Draft Implications: The Race for Flagg Begins
Even before Paul’s comments, Flagg was considered the frontrunner for the top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft. But endorsements from league legends tend to solidify narratives and influence decision-making. It’s not out of the question that some teams may begin subtly maneuvering to position themselves in the lottery to land him.
The 2025 draft class has other talented players — such as Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, and Koa Peat — but Flagg’s combination of maturity, versatility, and two-way dominance places him in a tier of his own. Paul’s remarks will only widen that gap in the minds of many executives.
According to several anonymous scouts quoted by The Athletic, Flagg’s name is already being circled in front offices with phrases like “franchise-changer” and “next face of the league.” One scout even said, “Chris Paul saying that out loud is like gold. You pay attention when CP3 speaks.”
Marketing and Endorsement Potential
Paul’s backing also strengthens Flagg’s potential as a marketable star. In the NIL era, Flagg already inked a major deal with Nike before even playing a college game. That partnership now has the backing of one of Nike’s signature athletes in Chris Paul, which may accelerate Flagg’s ascension into mainstream sports culture.
Brands want to align with athletes who combine talent, character, and a compelling story. Flagg checks all those boxes. From small-town Maine to NBA superstardom, the narrative is powerful — and Paul’s stamp of approval adds gravitas.
Flagg’s appeal is already reaching beyond hardcore basketball circles. Social media clips of his defensive dominance and pinpoint passing have gone viral, and he’s generating crossover appeal in ways similar to what LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama have done in their respective draft years.
A Mentor in the Making?
There’s also a chance this endorsement from Chris Paul is more than just a compliment — it could foreshadow a deeper mentor-mentee relationship. Paul, who has made it clear he wants to remain involved in the NBA after retirement, has shown a deep interest in player development and leadership. He’s invested in youth basketball through his AAU team (CP3), partnered with elite prep programs, and mentored countless young stars.
Flagg could become one of Paul’s post-career protégés — especially if their relationship develops during Flagg’s college year and pre-draft process. That kind of guidance from one of the smartest point guards to ever play the game could be invaluable to a young star with the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
Flagg’s Focus Remains Clear
For his part, Flagg has responded to the praise with humility. When asked about Paul’s comments, he replied, “It means a lot coming from someone like CP. But I just want to keep working and getting better. That’s always been my mindset.”
It’s that exact mentality — a hunger to improve, even with the spotlight blazing — that has Paul and others so convinced of Flagg’s long-term greatness.
