There are only a few days left before Cooper Flagg’s debut in the NBA, and expectations couldn’t be higher for the Dallas Mavericks rookie.
The star player has gained attention from just about everyone across the league, and he is ready to show what he can do on the court.
Kendrick Perkins has been tuned into Flagg for months, and he is comparing him to one of the greatest of all time.
“Cooper Flagg is the white version of LeBron James. When you talk about his IQ for the game, he has that,” Perkins said of Flagg.
Kendrick Perkins on Cooper Flagg playing point guard for the Mavericks:
“Cooper Flagg is the white version of LeBron James. When you talk about his IQ for the game, he has that.”
(via @KendrickPerkins, @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/6Iq7mzsRG3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 14, 2025
As if the pressure on this young man wasn’t large enough, this statement from Perkins will surely make it skyrocket.
Being compared to James is a massive deal, but now Flagg has to show everyone why Perkins said this.
And he has to do it consistently, or else people will state that he is having trouble adjusting to the NBA.
The Mavericks feel lucky to have Flagg because things looked radically different for the team only a few months ago.
When they lost Luka Doncic in that shocking trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, most people assumed the team was about to enter a prolonged dark period.
Instead, they got one of the most exciting No. 1 draft picks in history.
Flagg has shown off a lot during his time in college, and his Summer League and preseason work have been impressive.
The comparision to James is appropriate, but now Flagg has to play under the bright lights of the regular season.
If he can continue to work hard and deliver, Perkins won’t be the only one comparing him to NBA legends.
NEXT: Mavericks Rookie Could Be Poised For Big Role