“An Athletic Larry Bird?!” Cooper Flagg Draws Legendary Comparison Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
The 2025 NBA Draft is still weeks away, but Duke’s Cooper Flagg has already set the basketball world ablaze. Projected as the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick, Flagg has been dominating headlines but now he’s being mentioned in the same breath as one of the greatest to ever play the game: Larry Bird.
Yes, that Larry Bird.
CBS Sports analyst Steve Lappas recently raised eyebrows across the basketball world when he described Flagg as “an athletic Larry Bird.” The comment came during CBS’s Final Four coverage in early April, and it’s been reverberating across social media and analyst panels ever since.
“I say he’s an athletic Larry Bird,” Lappas said. “He’s much more athletic than Larry Bird is, but he’s got that kind of skill… I’m not saying he’s gonna be Larry Bird, but you know what, he’s got a chance.”
Flagg’s Freshman Year at Duke Was Something Special
The hype surrounding Flagg coming into the 2024-25 season was nearly impossible to live up to but he didn’t just live up to it; he exceeded it. In 37 games with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg averaged:
- 19.2 points
- 7.5 rebounds
- 4.2 assists
- 1.4 steals
- 1.4 blocks
- 48.1% shooting from the field
- 38.5% from three
Those aren’t just great numbers for a freshman they’re historic. He earned Naismith Player of the Year and Wooden Award honors and led Duke to a 35-4 record and an ACC Championship before falling in the Final Four.
Why the Larry Bird Comparison Is Turning Heads
Larry Bird, a three-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, is considered one of the greatest players in league history. Known for his unparalleled court vision, shooting touch, and legendary competitiveness, Bird’s legacy is untouchable in most circles.
So when Lappas compared Flagg to Bird and added that Flagg is more athletic it sparked a wave of reactions. Some fans were skeptical. Others were intrigued.
Flagg, standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, does carry similarities: elite basketball IQ, ability to impact the game in every facet, and the charisma to become a face of the league. And while Bird wasn’t known for his athleticism, Flagg brings explosiveness that makes the comparison all the more fascinating.
The Pressure Builds Ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft
The NBA world is watching closely. Flagg is widely expected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick on June 26. Teams with the highest odds to land him include:
- Utah Jazz (14%)
- Washington Wizards (14%)
- Charlotte Hornets (14%)
- New Orleans Pelicans (12.5%)
- Philadelphia 76ers (10.5%)
No matter who wins the lottery, it’s hard to imagine any team passing on Flagg unless a major shakeup occurs. The expectation is that he will enter the league ready to contribute and with a Bird-level comparison already being floated, the spotlight will only get brighter.
Final Thoughts
Comparisons to legends like Larry Bird don’t come lightly. But Cooper Flagg may just be special enough to warrant them. If he continues on his current trajectory blending skill, athleticism, and competitive fire he could become the next generational face of the NBA.
No pressure, Coop. Just go be an athletic Larry Bird.
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