Tony Allen Doubts Cooper Flagg’s Superstar Ceiling Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
With the 2025 NBA Draft just over a month away, Duke phenom Cooper Flagg is widely projected as the consensus No. 1 overall pick—and many expect the Dallas Mavericks, fresh off winning the lottery, to scoop up the 6-foot-9 forward. In fact, the San Antonio Spurs, selecting second, are reportedly already planning for life without Flagg on the board.
But not everyone’s sold on Flagg’s sky-high potential.
On a recent episode of the Chris Vernon Show via Grind City Media, former Celtics and Grizzlies guard Tony Allen voiced skepticism over Flagg’s ability to become a true franchise-altering talent. While many analysts have likened Flagg’s upside to that of generational stars, Allen offered a more tempered projection, suggesting Flagg’s career might resemble that of former NBA forward Andrei Kirilenko—versatile and impactful, but not a superstar.
“I don’t think Cooper Flagg’s going to turn a franchise around like that,” Allen said. “I’m not seeing KD [Kevin Durant]. I’m seeing Andrei Kirilenko.”
His comments caught host Chris Vernon off guard, who quickly defended Flagg, noting his dominant freshman season at Duke where he earned National Player of the Year honors and was a consensus All-American—all before turning 18. But Allen stood firm, even admitting some skepticism toward Duke prospects in general.
“He’s going to be a one-time All-Star,” Allen added. “I’m just not hyped on these Duke kids.”
Panelists were quick to point out Duke’s strong NBA track record, name-checking stars like Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Paolo Banchero. While Allen may have doubts about Flagg’s ceiling, labeling him as a Kirilenko-type still implies a solid NBA career—Kirilenko was a former All-Star and one of the league’s elite defenders in his prime.
Still, for someone pegged as a potential franchise cornerstone, Allen’s remarks poured cold water on the hype. And he knew it.
Since retiring in 2018, Allen—nicknamed the “Grindfather” for his lockdown defense—has remained a visible figure in basketball circles. While his jersey was recently retired by the Memphis Grizzlies, he’s also made headlines for less flattering reasons, having been among several former players involved in a fraud case related to NBA health benefits. He ultimately repaid the money and was sentenced to probation.
Controversy aside, Allen’s critique is making waves—especially as the countdown to Draft Night continues and the spotlight on Cooper Flagg only intensifies.
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