Cooper Flagg, the predicted NBA top pick, is “far more talented than I ever was,” according to Kevin Love.

Cooper Flagg, a name that has been making waves in the basketball world for the past few years, is widely regarded as the future of the NBA. The 17-year-old, who is currently ranked as the top high school basketball prospect in the United States for the 2025 NBA Draft, is already being compared to some of the best players in the world. Among those offering high praise is NBA veteran Kevin Love, who has seen firsthand the development of young talent throughout his career. In a recent interview, Love made headlines when he commented that Flagg is “far more talented than I ever was.”

For many, this statement is a bold endorsement of Flagg’s future potential. Love, a former NBA All-Star and champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is no stranger to the spotlight. His success in the league, combined with his experience as a high school and college player, makes his assessment of Flagg especially notable. To say that Flagg is more talented than Love was at the same age is a powerful statement, considering Love’s accomplishments in the NBA and his pedigree as a player.

This article will explore Kevin Love’s comments on Cooper Flagg, break down what makes Flagg such a highly touted prospect, and consider the comparison between Flagg and Love. Additionally, we will dive into Flagg’s background, his rise to prominence, and the path that could lead him to become the first overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2025.

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Cooper Flagg is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward from Maine, widely regarded as the top high school prospect in the United States for the 2025 NBA Draft. A versatile and dynamic player, Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him a favorite among scouts, coaches, and analysts. He has been a standout at Montverde Academy, one of the premier high school basketball programs in the country, where he has refined his game alongside some of the best young talent in the world.

What sets Flagg apart from many of his peers is his all-around game. He is known for his elite defense, athleticism, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his speed and agility, has made him a nightmare for opposing players. Offensively, Flagg is capable of scoring from all areas of the court, whether it’s knocking down jump shots, finishing at the rim, or creating plays for his teammates. He is an incredibly well-rounded player, and his skill set allows him to contribute in virtually every aspect of the game.

Flagg’s rise to prominence has been meteoric, and he has received praise from NBA scouts and analysts who believe he has the potential to be a generational talent. His high school career has been filled with accolades, and he has already established himself as one of the most dominant players in the country. His performances in high school tournaments and on the national stage have solidified his position as the likely number-one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Kevin Love’s Endorsement of Cooper Flagg

Kevin Love’s comment that Flagg is “far more talented than I ever was” has garnered significant attention, and it highlights the high regard in which Flagg is held by seasoned NBA veterans. Love, who has had a long and successful career in the NBA, has had the opportunity to see countless young players come into the league, but he sees something special in Flagg.

Love, who was drafted fifth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was a highly regarded prospect coming out of UCLA. Like Flagg, Love was known for his versatility, rebounding, and scoring ability, and he made an immediate impact in the NBA. However, Love’s assessment of Flagg’s talent at such a young age speaks volumes. It’s not just about Flagg’s raw ability, but also his potential to grow and dominate at the next level.

Kevin Love’s statement highlights the evolution of basketball and how the game has changed over the years. When Love entered the league, the game was still heavily focused on traditional positions and styles of play. However, with the advent of positionless basketball and the increasing emphasis on versatility, players like Flagg, who can do a little bit of everything, are seen as the future of the game.

Love’s comment also emphasizes the level of respect that Flagg has already garnered within the basketball community. For a seasoned NBA veteran like Love to make such a bold statement is a testament to the unique skill set and potential that Flagg possesses. It suggests that Flagg has not only surpassed the expectations of traditional high school prospects but also that he has the tools to make an immediate impact in the NBA.

Why Kevin Love’s Comment Matters

Kevin Love’s praise of Cooper Flagg is significant for several reasons. First, it comes from a player who has experienced success at the highest levels of the game. Love has been an NBA All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, and a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their 2016 NBA Finals victory. He has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the NBA and has played alongside some of the best players in the world. His perspective on young talent, therefore, carries weight.

Second, Love’s comment underscores the shift in the NBA’s approach to talent evaluation. When Love entered the NBA, players were often pigeonholed into traditional positions, and the expectation was that a player’s development would follow a relatively fixed path. However, the modern NBA is increasingly looking for players who can do a little bit of everything. This has allowed versatile players like Flagg, who excels at both ends of the floor and can fill multiple roles, to stand out.

Finally, Love’s endorsement of Flagg places an even greater spotlight on the young player’s potential. NBA scouts and analysts will undoubtedly take notice of this high praise from a veteran like Love, and it may only increase the pressure on Flagg to deliver on the promise he has shown. The expectations for Flagg’s future have already been incredibly high, and Love’s comments only add to that.

The Comparison Between Flagg and Kevin Love

One of the most interesting aspects of Kevin Love’s statement is the comparison between Cooper Flagg and Love’s own career. Love, as mentioned, was a highly touted prospect in his own right when he entered the NBA. Known for his rebounding, basketball IQ, and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, Love made an immediate impact on the league and went on to become one of the top power forwards of his generation.

While there are similarities between Flagg and Love in terms of their skill sets, there are also significant differences in how the game has evolved. Love was drafted at a time when traditional big men were still highly valued, and his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and scoring made him a valuable asset. Flagg, on the other hand, plays in an era where versatility is paramount, and his ability to impact both ends of the floor—whether it’s blocking shots, passing, or scoring from multiple areas—is seen as the future of the game.

In terms of physical attributes, Flagg and Love share similar traits. Both players are tall and athletic for their positions, and both have a unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that allows them to excel at multiple aspects of the game. However, Flagg’s defensive ability and ability to guard multiple positions give him an edge that Love didn’t necessarily possess early in his career. Flagg’s ability to be a lockdown defender and make plays on both ends of the floor sets him apart from players like Love, who were known more for their scoring and rebounding.

Another key difference between the two is the level of athleticism. Flagg is widely regarded as one of the most athletic high school players in the country, and his leaping ability, quickness, and agility allow him to make plays that most players at his age cannot. While Love was an elite athlete in his own right, Flagg’s athleticism and explosiveness are seen as next-level and are part of what makes him such a tantalizing prospect for the NBA.

Cooper Flagg’s Path to the NBA

As Cooper Flagg continues to develop, his path to the NBA seems almost certain. His commitment to improving his game, combined with his natural talent and basketball IQ, has positioned him as one of the top prospects in the world. His decision to play at Montverde Academy, one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country, has allowed him to hone his skills against some of the best players in the world.

Flagg’s rise to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a relentless work ethic. He has proven himself on the national stage, dominating at high school tournaments and showcasing his skills against some of the top competition in the country. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Flagg is widely expected to be the number-one pick, and the hype surrounding him continues to build.

What makes Flagg so special is his ability to do everything on the basketball court. He is a true two-way player, capable of guarding multiple positions, scoring from anywhere on the floor, and making plays for his teammates. His skill set aligns perfectly with the modern NBA, where versatility and all-around play are increasingly valued.