Sports media has a tendency to say outlandish things from time to time. The talking heads on the networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and others often spew the biggest hot takes intended to get the viewers talking and discussing what they’ve heard.
One analyst that is a big perpetuator of this approach is Skip Bayless. Bayless has been known to target players with his criticism and barbs while simultaneously uplifting his personal favorites with extreme bias.
On top of that, Bayless has a tendency to lean into his hyperbole, doubling down on his outlandish claims, making headlines by antagonizing fanbases, and grasping at straws with his opinions.
As expected, Bayless is up to his old tricks again.
Skip Bayless Makes Wild Larry Bird and Cooper Flagg Comparison
Bayless took the time on his podcast to ponder about Cooper Flagg and his success at Duke. Flagg is a defensive maven with growing offensive skill, but he’s far from a completed project on the court.
Still, Bayless bestowed a high honor onto Flagg, pondering whether or not the young star could be better than the greatest Boston Celtics player of all time, Larry Bird. As outlandish as it sounds, Bayless attempted to clarify his point.
I'm already asking, probably unfairly, if Cooper Flagg could be BETTER than Larry Bird. I seriously doubt he can be or will be … but he's so good so early that I'm not ruling it out. pic.twitter.com/2SFvHk7tlc
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 28, 2025
“I’m already trying to figure out if we’re watching the greatest white American player since Larry Joe Bird. Heck, I must admit, I’m already asking, probably unfairly, if Cooper Flagg could be better than Larry Bird? I seriously doubt he can be, or will be. But he’s so good, so early, I must admit, I’m not ruling that out. Not yet.”
While Flagg is having an amazing year at Duke, suggesting a college player who hasn’t even stepped into the league could be better than one of the greatest players ever is a bit much. Flagg will have the chance to prove his ability through his remainder of the NCAA March Madness tournament, as Duke advanced to take on Alabama in the Elite Eight.
Could Duke Win The NCAA Championship?
The Duke Blue Devils are one of the favorites to win it all, and while they’ve already advanced to the Elite Eight, they face tough challenges ahead.
Duke will face Alabama in their Elite Eight game, who just scored 113 points against BYU and set a record for most 3-pointers made in an NCAA Tournament game (25). If they survive that matchup, they’ll face one of Kentucky, Tennessee, Purdue or Houston in the Final Four before potentially facing a No. 1 see in Auburn or Florida in the National Championship game.
It’s a tough road to winning for the Blue Devils, can Flagg lead the way?