Cooper Flagg had been compared to Kevin Garnett even before he was drafted.
Cooper Flagg Will Be a 'Better Scorer Than Kevin Garnett,' Predicts NBA Analyst originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Cooper Flagg played just two Summer League games before the Dallas Mavericks shut him down. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks, all while shooting 36% from the field.
It was far from a flawless display from Flagg, who scored just 10 points in his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers before exploding for 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs. He also shot just 21% from the 3-point range and 57% from the free throw line, leaving much to be desired offensively.
Despite his offensive shortcomings, Fox Sports commentator Chris Broussard has seen enough from Flagg to predict what he'll become as an offensive player.
"I think he'll be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett. Offensively, he can do it all: he can shoot the 3, he's got the mid-range shot, he can post a little bit (and I think will post better as his career goes on), he can lead the fast break, can obviously take it to the hole and dunk," Broussard explained.
"His offensive package is way better than Garnett's when you compare those two."
"I think he'll [Cooper Flagg] be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett. His offensive package is way better than KG's when you compare those two. I think he is the truth"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 14, 2025
Chris Broussard gives his thoughts on the future of Coopers Flagg 👀
(via @FTFonFS1)
pic.twitter.com/NSEAzoCPCg
Chris Broussard further heaped praise on Cooper Flagg for his attitude, noting how the 18-year-old forward bounced back after a poor showing in his first Summer League game. The veteran NBA analyst emphasized that the Mavs rookie is the "truth."
For what it's worth, before Flagg entered the NBA, he had been compared to Kevin Garnett a number of times. In an article from Bleacher Report's NBA Draft experts, it was noted how Flagg "has the scoring potential, body, IQ and defensive athleticism/tools" to become like Garnett and become one of the very few players to "average 20 points, 10 boards, five assists, a steal and a block."
Garnett has career averages of 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks in 21 years in the NBA. If Flagg is able to match those numbers and do better offensively, as Broussard claims he is capable of, the former Duke star is definitely going to make the Mavs a massive threat in the NBA.
Related: Cooper Flagg's Physical Appearance is Turning Heads Before Summer League
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
