The expected NBA draft kicks off this Wednesday at the Barclays Center, and all eyes are on Duke’s Cooper Flagg as the first pick. It’s not a big surprise, given his impressive performance with the Blue Devils last year, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, as well as reaching the Final Four. If the Dallas Mavericks draft Flagg, barring a major surprise, he will become the second youngest number one in history, only surpassed by LeBron James.
James also highlighted a difference between Flagg’s situation and his own.Personally, I think he wants to be great. He had an incredible year at Duke. A player who can do many different things on the court. He can play with the ball, he can play without the ball. His jump shot will continue to improve. He’s super athletic, with a quick second jump.
LeBron James
James, in his rookie season at 19 years old, was the top scorer with 20 points per game on a Cavaliers team that finished fifth in the Central Division. James didn’t make the playoffs until his third season, and even then, the roster didn’t compare to what the Mavs will have next year, if they’re healthy. James concluded that it will be incredible to have that kind of presence, leadership, intelligence, and knowledge of basketball around him every day.He has the advantage, unlike me, of joining an established team with Hall of Fame players. These guys can give him the whole plan while he continues to learn what his own plan will be.
LeBron James
