There’s a shift occurring in the NBA’s next generation, and the tremors are being felt not only by fans but by veterans and rookies alike. One of the loudest signals that the torch is passing to new hands came not from a formal award or a viral dunk but from the words of a former Michigan State guard, now an NBA player, who couldn’t contain his admiration for Cooper Flagg. In a league where praise is often guarded and respect is earned through relentless competition, his comments were nothing short of glowing. And they weren’t empty flattery. They were informed, lived, and real—spoken by someone who has shared the hardwood with Flagg and knows exactly what makes a great teammate and potential franchise cornerstone.
The former Spartan, now adapting to a new role on an evolving roster, found himself not only playing next to Flagg in the NBA Summer League but learning from the teenage phenom. That’s right—learning. Despite having logged multiple collegiate seasons and a year in the NBA, the former Spartan admitted that there’s something special about Flagg’s approach, and it’s not just the athleticism or the shooting. It’s the intangibles—the hunger, the poise, and the maturity that betray his age. For a player not long removed from the grind of Big Ten basketball, to go on record praising a rookie is rare. To do so without reservation or hesitation? That signals a deeper truth.
Cooper Flagg’s story is already known to most basketball followers. A Maine native who made waves in high school, earned five-star billing, and then jumped straight into the deep end of NBA scrutiny. What’s less known is the way he has embraced the moment, not merely accepting the challenge of the league but actively seeking ways to prove that he belongs, even when the stakes are low and the lights are dimmer. One such example came when Flagg, unsatisfied with his first Summer League outing, asked the Dallas Mavericks staff to let him play one more game—a rare move for a top pick. That kind of mentality struck a chord with his new teammate, the former Spartan, who immediately saw it as a sign of greatness to come.
During an off-day media availability, the former Michigan State guard was asked a simple question about team chemistry. What followed was an unexpected detour into a heartfelt breakdown of what makes Flagg so impressive. He spoke about the way Flagg communicates on defense, constantly calling out switches and coverages. He praised Flagg’s willingness to play off-ball, sacrificing the stat sheet for good possessions. But most notably, he lit up when discussing the rookie’s mindset. “He’s got this fire, man,” the guard said. “You can just see it in his eyes. It’s not about highlight plays for him. It’s about winning. It’s about doing it the right way.”
Coming from a player who played under Tom Izzo—one of the most demanding coaches in college basketball—that kind of endorsement carries weight. The Michigan State pedigree is known for instilling toughness, accountability, and basketball IQ. If Flagg passes that test in the eyes of a former Spartan, it speaks volumes about his future. NBA teams crave culture builders—players who set a tone in the locker room and on the court. This early affirmation suggests Flagg might already be one.
What’s interesting is that the former Spartan, who isn’t a household name but has carved out a role as a gritty defender and unselfish playmaker, didn’t have to say anything. There’s no media obligation to hype up rookies, no requirement to praise teammates in July games that barely register on the national radar. But he chose to. That spontaneous outpouring is telling. It means Flagg has already made an impression not just with what he can do but with who he is. He’s present. He’s engaged. He’s respected.
Beyond the anecdotal admiration, there’s also tangible proof of Flagg’s ascension. Statistically, he improved drastically from game to game during the Summer League stint. After a shaky shooting performance in his debut, he adjusted his release, refined his shot selection, and exploded in the next outing. He rebounded better. He defended smarter. And he didn’t let mistakes snowball. That growth, rapid and resolute, didn’t go unnoticed by teammates who understand how rare it is for young players to process and adapt so quickly.
The former Spartan recounted a moment in practice that captured it all. The team was running through late-game situational drills. Flagg, playing on the second unit, was guarding the team’s starting wing—an experienced scorer known for clutch shooting. Flagg cut off one drive, forced a reset, then contested a step-back jumper without fouling. The shot missed. The gym got quiet. Then a murmur of approval spread among the coaching staff. “He wasn’t even supposed to be guarding him in that set,” the guard said. “But Coop just switched and locked him up. Coaches didn’t say a word because they didn’t have to. That kind of read and react, that’s veteran stuff.”
That’s the sort of endorsement that transcends sound bites. It’s peer respect earned through action. And it means a lot coming from someone who was once the freshman fighting for relevance, who understands what it takes to survive in a grown man’s league. The former Spartan knows how quick the NBA can humble players. He’s seen rookies come in with hype and leave within a year. Flagg, according to him, is cut from a different cloth.
Even more impressively, Flagg seems to welcome accountability. He watches film with the coaching staff without needing to be asked. He sits next to veterans on the bench, asking questions about coverages and angles. He volunteers for reps, stays late after practice, and never complains when he’s subbed out. He’s got the polish of a 10-year vet with the energy of a freshman eager to earn every minute. That combination is rare, and it’s why teammates like the former Spartan are already ready to go to bat for him.
What also stands out is that Flagg isn’t just a quiet worker. He leads with his voice too. Multiple players have noted that he speaks up in huddles, not in a domineering way, but with clarity and intention. “When Coop talks, people listen,” the Spartan said. “It’s wild, man. You’d think he’s been here for years.” That brand of presence doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a product of preparation, humility, and deep basketball knowledge.
Off the court, Flagg has already begun to forge bonds with teammates. He organizes group dinners, shows up to community events, and makes a point of introducing himself to every staffer in the building. He’s engaged in the full ecosystem of being an NBA player—not just the games, but the relationships, the image, the responsibility. The former Spartan pointed this out too, noting that leadership starts with consistency, and Flagg has brought that from day one.
As training camp looms and roster decisions get sharper, the praise from a player like the former Michigan State guard will continue to resonate in the locker room. Coaches pay attention to chemistry. They watch how the veterans interact with the young guys. They look for trust. And Flagg already has it.
There’s no doubt that Cooper Flagg’s future is bright, but the validation from someone who’s lived the grind and seen what it takes provides a different kind of signal. This isn’t just a player with hype. This is a teammate who inspires belief.
And in the NBA, that belief can often be the first step toward greatness.
