Cooper Flagg, a Duke star, disclosed his all-time starting five in the NBA.

Cooper Flagg, a Duke Star, Discloses His All-Time Starting Five in the NBA

Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly touted prospects in recent college basketball history, has already made waves with his impressive skills on the court and his basketball IQ. As a highly anticipated player for the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg’s journey in college basketball has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Given his remarkable potential and status as one of the top recruits in his class, it’s no surprise that he has developed his own perspective on what makes a great basketball player.

When asked about his all-time starting five in the NBA, Flagg’s response didn’t just reflect his deep knowledge of the game, but also his admiration for the legends who paved the way for modern basketball. His starting five selection shows a careful mix of positions, eras, and styles of play—offering a glimpse into his basketball influences, preferences, and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

In this article, we will break down Cooper Flagg’s all-time starting five in the NBA and examine the reasoning behind his choices. We’ll explore the players he picked, the characteristics that made them stand out, and how their unique skills shaped the game as we know it today. We’ll also analyze what Flagg’s selections reveal about his approach to basketball as he looks to carve out his own legacy in the NBA.

1. The Criteria Behind Cooper Flagg’s Selections

Before diving into Flagg’s specific picks, it’s important to understand the criteria he likely used to determine his all-time starting five. In modern basketball, “greatness” is often defined by a combination of individual accolades, team success, versatility, and impact on the game. Flagg’s selections are likely influenced by these factors, as well as personal admiration for certain players’ playing styles.

2. Point Guard: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is a name that needs no introduction when it comes to NBA greatness. Widely regarded as the best point guard to ever play the game, Magic’s selection for Flagg’s all-time starting five is a no-brainer. His revolutionary style of play—combining size, vision, and basketball IQ—set him apart from his contemporaries and reshaped the role of the point guard in the NBA. Magic, at 6’9″, was a matchup nightmare for opponents, as he was able to control the tempo of the game, create plays, and set up his teammates with exceptional precision.

For Cooper Flagg, Magic Johnson represents the epitome of unselfish play and leadership. Magic’s ability to see the court and make pinpoint passes was unparalleled. His incredible court vision and playmaking ability would elevate any team, and his leadership helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980s. Magic’s impact on the game is still felt today, as his vision and playmaking set the standard for future generations of point guards. Flagg’s choice of Magic reflects an appreciation for a player who transcended the traditional roles on the basketball court.

3. Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan

Selecting Michael Jordan for the shooting guard position is another obvious choice for Flagg’s all-time starting five. Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, and his selection here reflects his dominance in virtually every aspect of the game. Jordan was known for his incredible scoring ability, which was complemented by his relentless defense, work ethic, and competitive fire. His six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and five MVP awards highlight his success both individually and as a leader on a championship team.

Jordan revolutionized the game with his athleticism, scoring prowess, and ability to take over in clutch moments. He was a physical force on the court, combining elite footwork with a versatile offensive game that included mid-range jumpers, finishing at the rim, and an ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the floor. Beyond his scoring, Jordan was a tenacious defender, earning nine All-Defensive selections and becoming a symbol of defensive excellence in the shooting guard position.

For Cooper Flagg, Jordan’s combination of skill, athleticism, and mentality is something to aspire to. In a player like Jordan, you get a perfect blend of individual brilliance and the ability to elevate those around him—traits that are crucial for any player looking to make an impact at the highest level.

4. Small Forward: LeBron James

LeBron James has long been considered one of the best basketball players to ever step on the court. His versatility, basketball IQ, and physical gifts have allowed him to dominate the game for nearly two decades, and he remains a force in the NBA even as he nears the tail end of his career. For Cooper Flagg, LeBron represents the ideal combination of size, skill, and leadership. At 6’9″ and over 250 pounds, LeBron is one of the most physically gifted players the game has ever seen, yet his ability to pass, shoot, rebound, and defend makes him one of the most well-rounded players in history.

LeBron’s impact on the game goes beyond his statistical achievements—he’s known for his ability to adapt and evolve his game as he gets older, maintaining an elite level of performance year after year. Whether it’s his powerful drives to the basket, his leadership in clutch moments, or his ability to make his teammates better, LeBron has exemplified all-around greatness.

For Flagg, selecting LeBron James at small forward may stem from his admiration for the way LeBron can play all five positions on the court if needed. His basketball IQ and unselfish play make him a perfect complement to the other members of Flagg’s starting five, and his ability to step up in big moments would be crucial for any team’s success in the NBA.

5. Power Forward: Tim Duncan

When it comes to the power forward position, there are few names that are as synonymous with success as Tim Duncan. Known as “The Big Fundamental,” Duncan’s consistent excellence over a 19-year NBA career has earned him a place as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Duncan’s selection for Flagg’s all-time starting five is a testament to the power of fundamentals and efficiency in basketball. Duncan was never flashy, but he was incredibly effective on both ends of the court.

Duncan’s five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs, two MVP awards, and three Finals MVPs highlight his leadership and ability to perform under pressure. His combination of post moves, rebounding, shot-blocking, and basketball intelligence made him one of the most complete players to ever play. Duncan’s influence in the paint, along with his ability to anchor a defense, made him the foundation of the Spurs’ dynasty.

For Flagg, Tim Duncan’s ability to dominate without relying on athleticism or flashiness is something that likely resonates with him. Duncan’s focus on defense, rebounding, and making the right play is a trait that any young player, including Flagg, can learn from. Duncan’s success is a reminder that excellence doesn’t always come from being the most athletic or the most hyped—it often comes from hard work, focus, and attention to detail.

6. Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The final piece of Cooper Flagg’s all-time starting five is arguably the most dominant center in NBA history—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With six NBA championships and six MVP awards, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s selection is based on his unparalleled combination of skill, size, and consistency. Standing at 7’2″ with a graceful skyhook that was nearly impossible to defend, Kareem dominated the NBA for over two decades. His offensive and defensive prowess made him one of the most impactful players in the history of the sport.

Kareem’s ability to score, rebound, and block shots set him apart from other centers of his time. His skyhook, in particular, was one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball history, and it allowed him to maintain an elite level of play well into his 40s. Beyond his individual accomplishments, Kareem’s leadership and ability to elevate his team made him a key figure in the success of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

For Flagg, selecting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reflects an understanding of the importance of having a dominant center who can anchor both the offense and defense. Kareem’s ability to control the game with his scoring and rebounding would provide the foundation for any championship-caliber team, and his leadership on and off the court would be invaluable in a team that also features Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tim Duncan.

7. The Legacy of Flagg’s Selections

Cooper Flagg’s all-time NBA starting five is a well-rounded and balanced lineup, showcasing a deep appreciation for the game’s history and its greatest players. Each player was chosen not only for their individual excellence but also for how they would complement the others in a hypothetical all-time team. By selecting Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Flagg has created a lineup that covers every aspect of the game—playmaking, scoring, defense, rebounding, and leadership.

What’s particularly interesting about Flagg’s selections is the blend of players from different eras, each of whom was dominant in their own time. The combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ in this starting five would undoubtedly make them a formidable team in any era, and their ability to adapt to different styles of play would be key in facing off against any opponents.

As Flagg continues his basketball journey at Duke, his understanding of the game and its history will undoubtedly serve him well. His all-time starting five is not just a reflection of his admiration for these legends, but also a testament to his deep understanding of the qualities that make a player truly great. For fans and analysts alike, Flagg’s choices serve as a reminder of what it takes to be considered one of the best in the game—and, as he continues to develop his own skills, perhaps one day, he will be a part of the conversation when it comes to all-time greatness in the NBA.