Shaquille O’Neal Sends Warning to NBA Fans on Ex-Duke Blue Devils Basketball Star Cooper Flagg
The NBA world has seen its fair share of phenoms enter the league, but few have carried as much buzz before stepping onto the hardwood as former Duke Blue Devils standout Cooper Flagg. Now, one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, Shaquille O’Neal, has issued a stern warning to NBA fans: “Do not underestimate this kid.”
Flagg, who recently declared for the NBA Draft after a stellar season at Duke, has been projected as a top pick by nearly every analyst. Known for his blend of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts, the 6-foot-9 forward has already drawn comparisons to past two-way stars like Kevin Garnett and Paul George. Yet according to O’Neal, those comparisons might actually be selling him short.
Speaking during a segment on TNT’s Inside the NBA, O’Neal emphasized that Flagg has the rare “it factor” that only comes around once in a generation. “Listen, I’ve seen all the so-called next big things,” O’Neal said. “But Cooper Flagg? He’s the real deal. If you’re sleeping on him, you’re going to regret it. This kid is going to dominate both ends of the court faster than people expect.”
What makes O’Neal’s warning particularly striking is that he’s never been one to lavish praise easily. During his broadcasting career, Shaq has often pushed back against hype trains, reminding fans and young players alike that the NBA is a completely different battlefield compared to college basketball. But in Flagg’s case, the Hall of Famer’s tone shifted. “He’s not just athletic. He’s smart, tough, and doesn’t back down. That’s what separates him. If he stays healthy, I see All-Star games in his future real quick,” O’Neal added.
Flagg’s lone year at Duke showcased just how polished his game already is. Averaging 18.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per contest, he became the heartbeat of the Blue Devils’ tournament run. Scouts have praised his ability to defend multiple positions, shoot from the perimeter, and crash the glass with relentless energy. His competitive fire—often described as “borderline obsessive”—has further fueled the belief that he has the makeup of a franchise cornerstone.
For NBA fans, Shaq’s words may serve as both a rallying cry and a caution. On one hand, Flagg’s arrival could rejuvenate whichever team lands him, providing an immediate injection of star power. On the other, O’Neal’s warning reminds skeptics that dismissing young players too quickly—or labeling them busts before they’ve had time to develop—can backfire.
The NBA landscape is currently dominated by names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama, but Shaq believes Flagg will soon force his way into that conversation. “This league is about who wants it most. And from what I see, Cooper wants it more than anybody,” Shaq declared.
Whether O’Neal’s bold prediction comes to fruition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the hype surrounding Cooper Flagg just got a major endorsement from one of the game’s most respected legends. NBA fans have been warned—Cooper Flagg is coming, and he’s coming fast.
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