NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has never been shy about speaking his mind, and when he gives praise, it’s rarely thrown around loosely. That’s what makes his recent endorsement of high school phenom Cooper Flagg all the more compelling. Known for his blunt honesty and sky-high standards, O’Neal’s admiration for Flagg signals something deeper about the trajectory of the young star’s basketball career. The Hall of Famer, four-time NBA champion, and one of the most dominant players in league history sees something in Flagg that has stirred genuine excitement—not just as a casual observer, but as someone who understands what it takes to make it in the upper echelons of the basketball world.
Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying prospects to come through the high school ranks in recent years. His explosive athleticism, court vision, defensive instincts, and sheer basketball IQ have made him a household name among basketball aficionados, despite not yet playing a single minute of college or professional basketball. When a player of O’Neal’s stature takes the time to recognize someone like Flagg, it means more than hype—it means legitimacy. And the comments Shaq made about Flagg go beyond the usual platitudes.
In a recent appearance on a national sports talk show, O’Neal was asked about the next wave of basketball talent coming through the pipeline, and without hesitation, he brought up Flagg. “That kid Cooper Flagg is different,” Shaq said, leaning forward with emphasis. “He’s got the kind of motor, intelligence, and toughness you don’t see often in guys his age. He plays like he’s been in the league for ten years already.” Coming from a player whose career was built on physical dominance and mental fortitude, this kind of endorsement should not be taken lightly.
O’Neal didn’t stop at mere compliments. He delved into specifics about why Flagg stood out in his eyes. “It’s not just the highlights,” he noted. “Everybody can go on YouTube and see the dunks, the blocks, the crazy passes. But what I look at is the little things—how he rotates on defense, how he communicates with his teammates, how he reacts to adversity. He’s mature beyond his years, and I see in him the potential to become a face of the league one day.”
That kind of prediction from a legend who played alongside Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James is both profound and rare. It situates Flagg not just in the conversation of great high school players, but as a legitimate candidate to reshape the NBA landscape in the near future. To contextualize how unique this is, consider how guarded veterans usually are when talking about younger players. There’s often a reluctance to give too much too soon, a tendency to protect the sanctity of experience. Yet O’Neal offered none of that hesitancy. His words were clear, confident, and unambiguous: Cooper Flagg is the real deal.
This comes at a time when Flagg’s national profile is already booming. Having reclassified to the class of 2024 and committed to Duke University, Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact in college basketball. Coaches, scouts, and analysts have raved about his potential, but having someone of Shaq’s stature join the chorus adds a different kind of gravity to the conversation. It’s no longer just about potential—it’s about expectations. And Flagg seems more than ready to live up to them.
Shaquille O’Neal’s career has always been marked by a deep understanding of what it takes to excel. His insights are not just those of a former player but of a basketball philosopher in his own right. He has frequently expressed admiration for players who exhibit work ethic, leadership, and high basketball IQ, often criticizing those who rely solely on athleticism or media hype. In Flagg, O’Neal sees a blend of old-school grit and modern versatility—a hybrid player who could dominate in any era.
What makes this endorsement even more compelling is the contrast in their play styles. Shaq was a dominant force in the paint, a physical anomaly who overpowered opponents. Flagg, while also physically gifted, plays more of a finesse and two-way style, capable of impacting the game in myriad ways. That someone like O’Neal, whose own greatness stemmed from his brute force and sheer will, can appreciate the subtleties of Flagg’s game speaks volumes about the teen’s range and adaptability.
Shaq even went so far as to suggest that Flagg has qualities reminiscent of some of the greatest players he’s played with. “He reminds me of a mix between Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett,” O’Neal said. “Bird because of the way he thinks the game, and KG because of the fire and competitiveness. That’s a dangerous combination. If he stays focused and stays hungry, the sky’s the limit.”
Such comparisons aren’t tossed around lightly. Larry Bird was known for his razor-sharp mind, court vision, and unshakable confidence. Kevin Garnett was all intensity, defense, and leadership. For Flagg to be seen as a mix of those two suggests a level of versatility and intangibles that few players, even in the NBA, possess. And again, these are not the musings of a fan or even a scout—they come from a Hall of Famer whose legacy is cemented among the greatest to ever play the game.
There’s also the mentorship angle. Shaq has historically taken younger players under his wing, but only when he believes they possess a certain level of seriousness about the game. For instance, his early backing of Dwight Howard came with caveats about effort and professionalism. With Flagg, Shaq’s endorsement has so far been entirely positive, hinting at an openness to play a mentorship role if the opportunity ever arose. “If that kid ever wanted advice, I’m a phone call away,” he said. “He’s got something special, and I’d be happy to help him navigate the league when the time comes.”
Flagg, for his part, has responded with humility to all the attention he’s received. When asked in a recent interview about the praise from O’Neal, he appeared almost stunned. “It’s surreal,” Flagg said. “I grew up watching highlights of Shaq and hearing his name everywhere. To have him say those things about me… it’s hard to even put into words. I’m just trying to stay grounded and keep working.”
That grounded mentality may be the key reason why legends like Shaq are willing to back him so strongly. In a world where social media and early fame can inflate egos quickly, Flagg has consistently carried himself with the demeanor of a seasoned professional. His teammates at Montverde Academy have spoken of his leadership, his tireless work ethic, and his unselfishness. All signs point to a player whose external hype is matched—if not exceeded—by his internal drive.
As the basketball world watches Cooper Flagg’s next steps, from Duke to the NBA Draft to the pros, the shadow of Shaquille O’Neal’s words will follow him. Not as a burden, but as a torch of sorts. It’s rare that an 18-year-old gets this kind of vouch from a Hall of Fame player, and even rarer when that endorsement comes with an implicit challenge: prove me right. O’Neal’s comments don’t just elevate Flagg’s reputation—they put pressure on him to validate the praise with action, effort, and achievement.
That pressure, however, may be exactly what Flagg thrives under. Everything about his journey so far suggests a player who relishes the spotlight without being consumed by it. And with Shaq’s voice added to the growing chorus of believers, the basketball world is rapidly preparing for the arrival of a new kind of star—one who blends the past and the future, finesse and fire, promise and polish.
Shaquille O’Neal has played with and against the best. He’s seen the rise and fall of many hyped prospects. But when he talks about Cooper Flagg, there’s a noticeable conviction, a spark that suggests he believes this isn’t just another name. This could be the next face of basketball. For fans of the game, that kind of endorsement is not just exciting—it’s electrifying. And for Flagg, it’s another step in a journey that’s just beginning, but already looks destined for greatness.
