Shaquille O’Neal on Cooper Flagg: “He’s Not Just the Future—He’s Already Arrived”
In a moment that instantly echoed through the basketball world, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal delivered a powerful endorsement of 18-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, calling him “way above that 18-year-old curve” and cautioning the public against placing too heavy a burden on the rising star.
The setting was a recent NBA Summer League broadcast, where Shaq, seated courtside, watched Flagg dominate in a scrimmage featuring elite college and NBA hopefuls. The teenager, standing 6’9” with a 7’ wingspan and elite court vision, looked nothing like a prospect still months away from his college debut with Duke. He looked like a pro—already.
Shaq leaned into the mic, eyes fixed on the hardwood.
> “I’ve seen a lot of kids come and go,” he said. “But this one? Cooper Flagg… he’s different. You must realize he’s an 18-year-old kid. You can’t put too much pressure on him. But I’ll say this—he’s not just the future. He’s already arrived.”
The comment sent social media into a frenzy. NBA players, coaches, and analysts chimed in with their own praise. Jayson Tatum reposted the clip on Instagram with the caption: “Next one up,” while Kevin Durant tweeted simply, “Coop 🐐.”
What’s so special about Flagg? Shaq didn’t hesitate: “His defensive instincts remind me of a young KG. His patience and playmaking? Luka-esque. And his energy? It’s nonstop.”
In just three scrimmages this summer, Flagg averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. But it’s not just the stats. It’s how he controls the tempo, commands respect from older players, and stays humble despite the hype.
Shaq, no stranger to rising-star pressure, added a more personal note.
> “When I was 18, I thought I was ready. But I wasn’t ready like this kid. The way he talks to teammates, the way he holds himself accountable—he’s got leadership in his DNA. Cooper Flagg’s going to be a name we remember for decades.”
Shaq ended the segment with a clear message to coaches, fans, and media alike:
“Support him. Let him grow. And in a few years, maybe sooner than we think, he’s going to run this league.”
Whether Flagg lives up to the Hall of Famer’s towering expectations remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: When Shaq speaks, people listen. And Cooper Flagg just got the ultimate nod from one of the game’s most dominant voices.
