Cooper Flagg defies all expectations: what if we are looking at the next GOAT of the NBA?

Cooper Flagg is starting to outgrow the expectations that the NBA had placed on him. The number one pick of the 2025 Draft landed with a Dallas Mavericks team engulfed in uncertainty following Luka Doncic's departure, but he apenas needs a few games of his second season to demonstrate that his ceiling could be much higher than anticipated. At only 19 years old, he plays with a speed, maturity, and determination uncommon for his age. And there are already voices asking if we are witnessing a generational talent capable of marking an era.

One analyst who has been impressed is Bill Simmons, who has quickly revised his predictions about Dallas. Before the start of the 2026-27 season, the sportsbooks set the Mavericks' win total at 33.5, following a previous campaign where they finished with a record of 26-56. However, Simmons believes Flagg's impact could completely change that scenario.

Cooper Flagg looks absolutely spectacular. My over-the-top reaction would be to think that it may no longer be possible for him to be on a team that finishes below 50% in wins, he stated on his podcast.

Cooper Flagg already plays like an NBA star

The numbers help to understand the enthusiasm. Flagg has played three of Dallas's first four games and is averaging 25 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, with a 56.5% shooting accuracy. An extraordinary production for a player who is still taking his first steps in the league.

His debut was a clear statement of intent: 32 points against the Houston Rockets, despite his team's loss. After that, a minor shoulder injury forced him to miss the game against San Antonio. His return against Miami confirmed that he hadn't lost his rhythm: he finished with 29 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists, in addition to five steals and three blocks, and was crucial in securing the 113-109 victory.

The most striking thing is not just his scoring ability. Flagg can attack at high speed with both hands, reach the rim, and finish against more experienced defenders. He also reads the game, creates advantages for his teammates, and competes on defense. He doesn't need the entire offense to revolve around him to influence a game, but he also doesn't shy away when it's time to take on responsibilities.

Simmons believes he is already among the top 15 to 20 players in the NBA. An assessment that may seem excessive after only three games, but it reflects the impression the young forward is giving.

The mirror of LeBron James and the GOAT question

The comparison that is most impressive is that with LeBron James. Simmons believes that Flagg's combination of speed, power, ability to change direction, and ease of finishing at 19 years old reminds him of what he saw at the beginning of the Lakers player's career.

The statistics also allow for parallels to be drawn. In his rookie season, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Flagg is posting similar scoring and playmaking numbers, although his current sample size is just three games and does not allow for definitive conclusions.

The comparison does not mean he will reach his legacy. LeBron has built one of the most extraordinary careers in history, with longevity, titles, individual awards, and consistency measured over decades. To come close to that dimension, Flagg will need to demonstrate that he can maintain this level, improve season after season, and turn his talent into collective success.

But here arises the question that would have seemed premature a few months ago: what if Cooper Flagg ends up aspiring to be the greatest player of all time someday?

It is still too early to talk about the next GOAT. However, there are reasons to think that the initial forecasts have fallen short. Dallas hoped to find a star to rebuild its project after Luka Doncic. Perhaps it is discovering something more important: a player capable of accelerating the entire reconstruction and becoming one of the key figures in the NBA over the next decade.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cooper Flagg desafía todas las expectativas: ¿y si estamos ante el próximo GOAT de la NBA?