On the biggest night of his life, Cooper Flagg didn’t hesitate.
As he walked the red carpet at the 2025 NBA Draft, on the same night he was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg was asked the question that still splits NBA fans worldwide:
Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
The 18-year-old gave his answer instantly. No debate, no hesitation.
“Michael Jordan, for sure.”
And with that, the future of the league made it clear where he stands in the greatest basketball argument of all time.
“That’s the GOAT to Me”
Flagg told talkSPORT his answer might be influenced by how he was raised, but the conviction was unmistakable.
“That’s the GOAT to me. I don’t know if it was how I was raised by my parents or not, but that’s just my answer.”
In a media world where most top prospects play it safe, Flagg delivered his verdict like a veteran. His pick came despite recent praise from LeBron James himself, who called Flagg “amazing” and “super athletic” with the potential to thrive alongside stars like Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving, all now teammates in Dallas following a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to L.A.
He Grew Up on Larry Bird, But Crowned MJ
Flagg’s basketball roots run deep. Raised in Maine, he credits Larry Bird as his original inspiration — a player whose style he tried to mirror.
“Just the way [Bird] played so hard on every possession… diving on the floor, doing the little things. That’s how I modeled my game.”
But when it came to greatness, Flagg pointed to Michael Jordan. Not Bird, not LeBron, and not even the teammate he’ll now replace as Dallas’ franchise cornerstone.
And he did it on the same night he joined the league that Jordan and James dominated for decades.
Final Word: The Future Speaks
Cooper Flagg may be just getting started, but his voice already carries weight.
He knows the league’s history. He’s studied the legends. And while he has nothing but respect for LeBron, the NBA’s newest No. 1 pick has already cast his vote.
Michael Jordan, for sure.
And with that, the GOAT debate adds another bold opinion, this time from the next generation.
