Kevin Love has broken his silence on the raging debate about him and Cooper Flagg.
Longtime radio personality Dan Patrick caused quite a stir when he used Love as a measuring stick for Flagg’s future NBA career. During a recent episode of his eponymous sports show, Patrick argued that Flagg would be considered a “disappointment” if he ended up with the same NBA career as Love.
The statement left fans on social media torn. On the one hand, Flagg is considered a can’t-miss prospect who could conceivably become one of the faces of the NBA if he reaches his ceiling. On the other hand, Love had a decorated NBA career in his own right.
Kevin Love in warmups
Mar 11, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) warms up before the start of the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Love made it known where he stood on Friday when he addressed the issue on X.
“For those who will take this as a shot at me…I don’t take it as such,” Love wrote. “I was pure skill & will. Cooper is far more talented than I ever was and if he stays healthy will have a far better career. He could very well have a statue by the time he’s finished. I’m a HUGE fan.”
For those who will take this as a shot at me…I don’t take it as such. I was pure skill & will. Cooper is far more talented than I ever was and if he stays healthy will have a far better career. He could very well have a statue by the time he’s finished. I’m a HUGE fan. https://t.co/aEv6G8gbR8
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) March 28, 2025
Love is a 5-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA player who far exceeded the expectations surrounding him when he left UCLA in 2008. He also has a championship ring. But even Love believes that Flagg’s ceiling is exponentially higher than his own.
Despite putting up around 20 points and 12 rebounds per game during his best years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love never made the playoffs until he teamed up with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Love turned out to be an ideal third star on a championship team but was never good enough to lead a playoff team on his own.
While Love still carved out a stellar career, Flagg projects to reach even greater heights. Even Love himself agrees.