Kevin Durant described Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg as “a nightmare” for opponents and expressed confidence that it’s only a matter of time before Flagg fully realizes his potential.
After the Mavericks’ 110–102 loss to the Houston Rockets, Durant—a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion—commented on the young player's promising start. Through seven games, Flagg has averaged 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, showing the versatile two-way skills that justified his status as the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Flagg, a Maine native and former Duke standout, represents a new era for the Mavericks following the departure of Luka Dončić. The franchise looks to Flagg as a key figure in redefining its identity, balancing the weight of high expectations with undeniable promise.
“I think that he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Durant told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think that he’s going to be such a nightmare… that… he’ll be considered one of the best of all time.”
In the game against the Rockets, Flagg contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists, marking another important step in his development.
Durant’s praise highlights Cooper Flagg’s rapid growth and the high expectations surrounding his promising NBA career.
Author’s summary: Kevin Durant confidently predicts rookie Cooper Flagg will evolve into one of the greatest players ever, underscoring his impressive start and huge potential.