"I take those words back" - 5x NBA Champ Backtracks on Bold Claim after Witnessing Cooper Flagg on Mavericks

Lakers legend Michael Cooper has made a bold proclamation about Cooper Flagg. The five-time NBA champion predicted a bright future for the Mavericks' rookie in an interview.

On Saturday, "Vlad TV" uploaded a video on YouTube containing a brief interview with the Lakers legend. In the video, Cooper talked about Larry Bird's antics during his playing career. He called Bird the coldest player on the court and revealed that the Boston Celtics legend used to talk trash a lot.

Later, the interviewer asked Cooper if he still agreed with Larry Bird being the most complete NBA player he had ever seen. The Lakers legend agreed to the statement before turning back on his word.

"I would have to say so, Yeah. And you know what? I take those words back because there's a young man now, Cooper Flagg," Cooper said. "Cooper Flagg, watching him play the other night, that kid is going to be very special." (Timestamp: 3:47)

The Lakers legend claimed that Flagg had the potential to become as great as Larry Bird himself or any other NBA legend. The Mavericks' rookie has been playing his heart out in his first season.

He was slow at adjusting to playing as a point guard, but with each passing week, the rookie seems to grow more accustomed to the role. He is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on 37.3% shooting from the field.

Cooper Flagg responds to doubters after 122-110 loss agianst the Pistons

Cooper Flagg has had probably the worst possible start to his NBA career as he could have imagined. He is required to play out of the position where he has played the majority of his life, while the Mavericks keep racking up losses. Dallas suffered a 122-110 loss against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

After the loss, Flagg attended a post-game conference where he was asked about his thoughts on his rough start to the season.

"It’s a tough league,” Flagg said. “It’s a transition. I haven’t made a lot of shots or been as efficient I would’ve wanted to. But I’m gonna keep trusting the work. It’s nothing I think they should be worried about. I’m not worried about anything."

Mike Curtis

@MikeACurtis2

Cooper Flagg on those concerned about his play through 6 games: “It’s a tough league. It’s a transition. I haven’t made a lot of shots or been as efficient I would’ve wanted to, but I’m gonna keep trusting the work. It’s nothing I think they should be worried about. I’m not

The Mavericks are currently holding 14th place in the West standings with a 2-4 record. They will play their next game against a Kevin Durant boosted Houston Rockets squad on Monday.