Cooper Flagg’s Start Fuels LeBron Comparisons

Cooper Flagg’s early-season play has prompted prominent basketball analysts to compare the 19-year-old Dallas Mavericks forward with LeBron James at the same age. The praise follows a five-game stretch in which Flagg averaged 26.8 points, 6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. He turns 20 in December.

Max Kellerman said Flagg was the best 19-year-old player since James and argued that Flagg was a stronger defender and free-throw shooter at that age. Kellerman also noted that James was the better passer, and said he was not claiming Flagg was already the better player overall.

ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst also highlighted the comparison, saying Flagg was ahead of James as a teenager in defense and had a more developed fundamental jump shot. Windhorst later reaffirmed his view on defense, pointing to Flagg’s technique and ability to defend across positions. He acknowledged that James was an exceptional offensive force at 19.

Kellerman said Flagg’s strengths are spread across many parts of the game rather than concentrated in one defining trait. Rich Paul, speaking on Kellerman’s podcast, said that broad excellence could be harder to market than a singular, obvious skill. Flagg’s five-game averages also include 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in 32.2 minutes per game.

Dallas is scheduled to host the Sacramento Kings on November 2, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. Central time.