Cooper Flagg hasn’t even played his first official NBA game, but the spotlight on him is unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 draft, the Duke phenom has become the talk of the league, ranging from his fit in Jason Kidd’s system to his readiness to lead at the highest level.
And just when it seemed the buzz couldn’t get any louder, one former NBA champion made a comparison bold enough to turn heads across the basketball world.
Why Did Kendrick Perkins Compare Cooper Flagg to LeBron James?
During ESPN’s coverage of the Mavericks’ preseason game on NBA Today, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins delivered his surprising assessment of the Mavs rookie. Reacting to Flagg’s surprising new role as the Mavs’ point guard against the Utah Jazz, Perkins said:
“Cooper Flagg is the white version of LeBron James. When you talk about his IQ for the game, he has that.”
That’s a huge statement, and sensational enough to grab attention instantly.
Perkins’ comment came after the Mavs’ coach Jason Kidd experimented with Flagg at point guard, allowing the 6’9″ rookie to initiate offense and set the pace.
While Flagg’s debut at the position wasn’t eye-popping — he finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and one assist on 3-of-13 shooting- the test run showcased his versatility.
Flagg, who had primarily played forward through the preseason, was suddenly tasked with handling the ball and organizing the Mavericks’ offense. This significant adjustment hinted at the franchise’s long-term vision for his role.
Kidd’s decision to trust a rookie with playmaking duties spoke volumes. And in Perkins’ eyes, that combination of size, court vision, and basketball IQ evoked shades of a young James.
Flagg-James Comparison Highlights Mavericks Rookie’s Immense Potential
The comparison may sound lofty, but Perkins’ reasoning has some logic behind it. Like James, Flagg showed flashes of all-around control during his early years – rebounding, scoring, defending, and creating opportunities for teammates.
At Duke, Flagg wasn’t a full-time ball-handler but still averaged 4.2 assists per game, regularly flashing advanced vision and composure under pressure. Through three preseason outings with the Mavericks, he’s averaging 2.6 assists while adjusting to NBA speed and spacing.
King James went through a similar phase during the 2009–10 season in Cleveland, when injuries in the backcourt forced him to take on full-time playmaking duties. He led the Cavaliers’ offense with elite efficiency, recording 8.6 assists, which was his career high at that point. To add further context, James topped the entire NBA in assists in 2020 (10.2)
Both players share the rare combination of size and playmaking touch that allows them to create mismatches from the point guard spot.
Of course, Flagg’s comparisons to the league’s leading scorer carry enormous weight. James is among the game’s greatest scorers, leaders, and most gifted passers, ranking fourth among the NBA’s all-time assist leaders. So, calling any rookie his “version” is bound to raise eyebrows.
But that’s precisely what makes Perkins’ take stand out. For now, Flagg isn’t anywhere near James’ level, but the willingness of coaches and analysts to even entertain the comparison shows just how special the Mavericks believe he can be.
If coach Kidd continues to give him point guard reps, fans might be watching the early stages of something rare: a modern forward who can think and play like a floor general.
