“I’m Seeing Andrei Kirilenko”: Dallas Mavericks Fans Won’t Like Tony Allen’s Take About Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a draft lottery miracle earlier this month, leaping 10 spots to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With only a 1.8% chance of entering the night, Dallas stunned the league — and Cooper Flagg — by landing the top selection in what could become a defining offseason for the franchise.
While Flagg is widely projected to be the first player off the board, not everyone is convinced he’s the transformational star Dallas needs. Former NBA guard Tony Allen made that clear this week, voicing skepticism about Flagg’s ceiling during an appearance on The Chris Vernon Show.
“I don’t think Cooper Flagg’s going to turn a franchise around like that,” Allen said. “I ain’t seeing KD [Kevin Durant]. I’m just not seeing all that. I’m seeing Andrei Kirilenko.”
Cooper Flagg Draws Andrei Kirilenko Comparison
Flagg, who reclassified to play one season at Duke after starring with the USA Basketball Select Team, posted 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 38.5% from three. The 18-year-old forward from Maine was named the national college player of the year and a consensus first-team All-American. He also showed his maturity on and off the court, recently speaking at the NBA Draft Combine about the importance of recovery, mentorship, and staying present through the pre-draft process.
But Allen — a six-time NBA All-Defensive Team member — is focused more on impact than polish.
“He is nice, but his max-out potential is Andrei Kirilenko,” Allen said. “He’s going to be a one-time All-Star. I just don’t see it, bro. I’m just not hyped on these Duke kids.”
The remark drew immediate pushback. After all, Flagg would join a long line of successful Duke alums if his career reaches the heights many expect. Current NBA stars Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Paolo Banchero came through Durham, and Allen’s Celtics ties to Tatum made the comments even more surprising.
A High Floor — But Is It High Enough?
Allen didn’t predict failure for Flagg. His Kirilenko comparison still paints a picture of a valuable two-way contributor — a 6-foot-9 forward who could rack up steals, blocks, and do a little of everything. But in the context of a No. 1 overall pick, especially one expected to lead a franchise post-Luka Dončić, Allen’s words register as a reality check.
Flagg measured roughly 6-foot-8 barefoot with a 7-foot wingspan and a 40-inch vertical at the Combine. He spoke glowingly of the possibility of joining the Mavericks, even mentioning excitement about teaming up with fellow Duke product Dereck Lively II.
Dallas, now built around veterans like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, is seeking its next long-term star, and Flagg will be tasked with filling that role if selected.
“Wherever it is, I’m just gonna try and be me to the best of my ability,” Flagg said. “Try to do whatever the team needs—play both sides of the ball and just play really hard in every single possession.”
Whether Allen’s words resonate as insight or noise, Flagg will get his chance soon enough. The 2025 NBA Draft takes place June 25 at Barclays Center, where the Mavericks are expected to make Flagg the franchise’s first-ever No. 1 overall selection.
He may not be aiming for comparisons, but they’re already coming. And so are the expectations.
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