Philadelphia 76ers Superstar Shocks Basketball World With Huge Compliment for Cooper Flagg, Calling Him the Next Face of the NBA

The basketball world is no stranger to hype, especially when it surrounds a generational talent like Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine has already turned heads at every level he’s competed at—from dominating the grassroots AAU circuit to becoming a star at Montverde Academy. Now, with his senior year behind him and his eyes set on Duke University for the 2025-26 season, Flagg’s name continues to gain weight in the highest circles of the sport.

The latest and perhaps most resonant validation of Flagg’s emerging stardom came not from a scout or a college coach, but from an NBA All-Star. Philadelphia 76ers superstar Tyrese Maxey, fresh off a breakout season of his own, delivered a powerful statement that has quickly reverberated throughout the hoops community.

“Cooper Flagg is different,” Maxey said during an appearance on a popular basketball podcast. “He’s got that thing. That aura. You can’t teach that. He reminds me of a young Kevin Durant with a splash of Larry Bird. If he keeps developing the way he is, he’s going to be the face of the NBA one day.”

That comment sent shockwaves through both social media and sports newsrooms. For a young prospect to be compared to legends like Durant and Bird is a massive honor in itself. But what made Maxey’s words even more impactful was the context in which they came. Maxey wasn’t prompted or cornered into the take. Instead, he brought up Flagg unprovoked, when asked about the most exciting young players he’s seen in recent years.

Maxey’s praise not only adds more credibility to Flagg’s talent but also highlights the respect the teenager is beginning to command among current NBA stars. It’s one thing for college coaches and media members to tout a prospect; it’s another when NBA veterans take notice.

Flagg, who was already the consensus No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting class, has been on an absolute tear. His game is remarkably polished for someone his age. He’s a versatile defender, a lethal three-point shooter, and a phenomenal passer with court vision well beyond his years. But what makes Flagg so special—and perhaps what Maxey was referring to—is his intangible feel for the game. His instincts are elite. His motor is relentless. He plays every possession like it’s the last one of a national title game.

Observers at the recent Nike Hoop Summit in Portland were treated to yet another Flagg showcase. Against some of the top young talent in the world, Flagg not only held his own—he dominated. He led Team USA in scoring and displayed the kind of two-way versatility that has become the gold standard for NBA wings. His ability to protect the rim on one end and knock down threes on the other is rare, even by elite high school standards.

The buzz surrounding Flagg isn’t just limited to his skills. Off the court, he carries himself with the demeanor of a seasoned professional. He’s articulate in interviews, gracious with fans, and extremely focused on his craft. Coaches rave about his coachability, his eagerness to improve, and his leadership qualities. Despite being just 17 years old, he often commands the respect of teammates several years older.

That maturity has not gone unnoticed. In addition to Maxey’s recent praise, several NBA scouts have described Flagg as one of the most complete high school prospects they’ve ever evaluated. One Western Conference executive, speaking anonymously, said, “If Cooper were eligible for the NBA Draft this year, he’d be a top-three pick. No question.”

Still, for all the accolades and attention, Flagg remains grounded. He recently said in an interview that he’s taking everything “one day at a time” and is focused on making the most out of his one season at Duke. The Blue Devils are expected to be national title contenders the moment he steps on campus, and Flagg will likely be the centerpiece of that run.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer hasn’t shied away from the expectations either. “Cooper is a once-in-a-decade type of player,” Scheyer said during a media availability session. “We’re building something special here, and Cooper’s going to be a huge part of that. He’s ready for the moment.”

Flagg’s presence at Duke next season will undoubtedly draw even more eyes to college basketball, which has seen a resurgence of star power in recent years thanks to NIL deals and the increasing allure of building a brand before jumping to the NBA. With Flagg, Duke has a legitimate chance to make a deep tournament run while also developing one of the sport’s future superstars.

The impact of Maxey’s compliment goes beyond just fanfare. It serves as a sort of informal torch-passing. When an NBA All-Star recognizes a high school player as a future face of the league, it creates a symbolic momentum that is difficult to manufacture. It changes how GMs think, how fans engage, and how media covers that player.

It’s reminiscent of the way NBA players once spoke about a young LeBron James or a teenage Kevin Garnett. There’s a certain electricity in those early acknowledgments—a feeling that something special is about to arrive. Maxey’s words have added that extra voltage to the Cooper Flagg phenomenon.

And make no mistake: Flagg is embracing the spotlight. He’s already inked high-profile NIL deals with major brands, including Nike, Gatorade, and even a rumored partnership with a leading video game developer. His social media following has exploded, and his highlight reels are appointment viewing for hoop heads across the globe.

Still, the most important compliments to Flagg seem to be those that speak to his work ethic. “Cooper’s the first in the gym and the last one out,” Montverde coach Kevin Boyle said recently. “That’s not a cliché with him. That’s who he is. He wants to be great, and he knows the road to greatness is paved with sweat.”

That attitude will serve him well, especially as he enters the cauldron of big-time college hoops and, eventually, the pressure-cooker environment of the NBA. Many high school phenoms have fizzled out under the weight of expectation. Flagg seems built to rise with it.

What’s even more impressive is that Flagg hasn’t let the noise change him. He still plays with a chip on his shoulder, still brings energy on every possession, and still credits his teammates at every opportunity. That humility, combined with his raw ability, is what truly sets him apart.

It’s why NBA players like Maxey are paying attention. It’s why the basketball world is starting to believe this isn’t just another highly touted recruit. This might be the beginning of something truly extraordinary.

So when Tyrese Maxey says Cooper Flagg could be the face of the NBA one day, it isn’t just hyperbole. It’s the recognition of a rising tide—a player who has all the tools, all the intangibles, and all the momentum to transform from high school star to basketball legend.

And the craziest part? He’s just getting started.