Cooper Flagg has not yet played his first NBA game, but his reputation is already drawing high praise from one of the league’s most recognizable former top picks, who ranks him above Victor Wembanyama already.
Blake Griffin, the 2009 No. 1 overall selection and a six-time All-Star, believes the 19-year-old forward is the most well-rounded player to enter the NBA in recent memory, even ahead of San Antonio Spurs star.
“I think he is the most complete player that we’ve seen come into the NBA in recent memory,” Griffin said to the Post Moves with Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston. “I’m not saying he doesn’t have room to grow, he still has a ton of room to grow.
“But he passes, shoots, defends (and) rebounds. He seems like a great teammate (and) a great kid. There is, like, what’s the red flag?
“Which is really exciting for basketball to have these young guys. … Cooper is just able to play and guard so many different positions.”
France’s Wembanyama entered the NBA in 2023 as one of the most hyped prospects in league history, standing 7-foot-3 with guard-like skills and near-flawless defensive instincts.
He immediately validated that hype, finishing his rookie year as runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year while establishing himself as San Antonio’s franchise cornerstone before suffering a season-ending injury in the 2024/25 NBA campaign.
Yet Griffin suggested that the Dallas Mavericks‘ rookie brings something different in terms of Flagg’s ability to play multiple positions and contribute across every category may make him a more versatile building block.
Griffin sends Flagg advice ahead of upcoming NBA season
Griffin highlighted not only Flagg’s skillset but also the unique situation awaiting him in Dallas as unlike most No. 1 picks, who typically join rebuilding franchises, he steps into a Mavericks roster full of veteran talent.
That includes the likes of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, and could give the youngster the key break he needs to make sure he can simply focus on developing his talent and skills.
“I also love that he’s in Dallas,” Griffin added. “I think they have a really solid team around him.
“Most number-one picks are going to teams that haven’t been doing too great in the past. But I’m just excited for him to start this journey.”
For Griffin, the environment matters as much as raw talent. Having experienced the pressures of being a franchise cornerstone himself, he pointed out that Flagg will benefit from being able to grow into his role rather than carrying the entire burden immediately.
And Flagg’s chance to measure himself against that standard will arrive quickly. Dallas opens the 2025-26 season on October 22 against San Antonio, setting up a marquee matchup between the last two No. 1 picks.
The game not only serves as Flagg’s debut but also as the first direct comparison of Griffin’s bold assessment, although he does have one message for the Duke Blue Devils graduate.
“The only thing I’d say is, it’s a different level, and it’s a marathon,” Griffin cautioned. “You’re playing a lot of games.
“There’s a lot of scrutiny, there’s gonna be ups and downs. Ride that wave. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. Just be right here.”
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