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[Saba Sports News] While many scouts see Cooper Flagg as a generational prospect with the potential to transform an NBA franchise, not everyone is sold — including one former NBA champion.
Tony Allen, a former Boston Celtics standout and one of the league’s premier defenders during his playing days, recently shared a skeptical take on Flagg’s future.
Appearing on GrindCityMedia’s YouTube channel, Allen expressed doubts about Flagg’s ceiling and downplayed expectations that the Duke star will be a game-changer at the pro level.
“I don’t think Cooper Flagg’s going to turn a franchise around like that,” Allen said. “I ain’t seeing KD. I’m just not seeing all that. I’m seeing Andrei Kirilenko.
He’s going to be a one-time All-Star. I don’t see it, bro. I’m just not hyped on these Duke kids. He is nice, but his max-out potential is Andrei Kirilenko.”
While Kirilenko had a strong career — including one All-Star selection and multiple All-Defensive honors with the Utah Jazz — the expectations for Flagg are far higher.
The hype surrounding him has been immense, particularly after the Dallas Mavericks won the draft lottery for the chance to select him.
Allen, known for speaking his mind, is clearly out of step with the consensus — especially considering Flagg’s impressive showings at just 17 years old, including holding his own in a scrimmage against Team USA.
Flagg posted 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his lone season at Duke and continues to be projected as a franchise cornerstone by most analysts. Whether Allen’s prediction holds water or proves to be a cold take remains to be seen.