Cooper Flagg has already captured the basketball world’s imagination with his rare blend of size, skill, and unshakable confidence. The 6’9″ phenom from Duke University, crowned the youngest Wooden Award recipient, has redefined the term “unicorn” on the court. At just 18 years old, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance.
Flagg’s lightning-quick first step, elite defensive instincts and polished playmaking have scouts drawing up entire team game plans around him. NBA legends like LeBron James have been seen lavishing praise on the Duke prodigy. Now, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has drawn a hilarious comparison by calling the Duke standout a “hybrid baby” of James and Kevin Garnett.
Kendrick Perkins Quips Cooper Flagg Is LeBron James–Kevin Garnett’s ‘Baby’
On ESPN’s primetime NBA Draft coverage, former Celtics champion–turned–analyst Kendrick Perkins delivered the buzziest comparison yet. He quipped, “If LeBron James and Kevin Garnett had a baby, you’d get Cooper Flagg.”
The comparison flashed across social media, courtesy of ClutchPoints’ post of the clip, capturing Perkins’ mix of incredulity and genuine admiration. While the analogy may seem hyperbolic, it makes sense: if James’ offensive genius were paired with Garnett’s defensive tenacity, it would underscore Flagg’s unique two-way makeup.
“If LeBron James and Kevin Garnett had a baby, you’d get Cooper Flagg.”
This comp by Kendrick Perkins pic.twitter.com/6WHCNojADQ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 24, 2025
James recently asserted on the “Mind the Game” podcast that Flagg chose the right time to debut in the NBA.
“A guy that can do so many different things out on the floor. Can play with the ball, can play without the ball. His jump shot is going to continue to get better… And also, he has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that’s established with Hall of Fame guys — Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving — right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd,” James said.
MORE: LeBron James Reveals Cooper Flagg’s 1 Major Benefit That He Never Had Going Into the NBA
Flagg’s journey to draft darling is as compelling as his on-court prowess. Skipping his senior year of high school (Montverde Academy), he reclassified his graduating year from 2025 to 2024, a strategic move that positioned him as the youngest potential No. 1 pick in the NBA since James in 2003.
Despite the hype, Flagg remains grounded. When asked why he pushed through accelerated academics and high-stakes basketball so early, Flagg quoted his mother’s mantra.
“A quote my mom likes to say a lot, ‘If you’re the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym.’ For me, it was about thinking about what I had left to do in high school and how much that would push me to become a better player,” Flagg was quoted as saying by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post.
Cooper Flagg, 18, on why he reclassified to graduate high school in three years and position himself as the youngest No. 1 NBA Draft pick since LeBron James: “A quote my mom likes to say a lot: ‘If you’re the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym.’” pic.twitter.com/k2D3XsKCv2
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 24, 2025
That hunger to continually seek greater challenges fuels both his extraordinary progress and the swirling conversation around his future. Flagg is widely expected to land with the star-studded Dallas Mavericks — a contender built around Irving and Davis, and guided by Jason Kidd. The Mavericks are betting on Flagg to carve his path and help deliver on their championship ambition.
