Podziemski gave insight into vibes on the court as Flagg put on a show in the scrimmage against Team USA
GOLDEN State Warriors star Brandin Podziemski wishes the NBA didn’t have to wait another year for Cooper Flagg’s arrival.
The Duke commit stunned the basketball world last month, putting on a show during scrimmages with Paris Olympics-bound Team USA stars.
Duke commit Cooper Flagg (middle) could play in the NBA straight after high school, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski told The U.S. SunCredit: Getty
Podziemski (pictured) and Flagg were part of the US select team that scrimmaged with Team USA ahead of the Paris OlympicsCredit: Getty
The 6-foot-9 forward stunned the basketball world with his performance in the scrimmageCredit: Getty
Flagg played with no fear going up against LeBron James, Steph Curry, and other Paris-bound NBA stars, impressing members of the practice campCredit: Getty
Flagg, 17, joined Podziemski, 21, on the US select team, tasked with warming up LeBron James, Steph Curry, and several other NBA All-Stars at the start of the pre-Olympics preparations in Las Vegas.
And the 6-foot-9 forward “kicked butt” coming up against the world’s best hoopers, select team coach Jamahl Mosley said.
The basketball sensation ended up being the go-to option for the group of NBA starlets as they went neck-in-neck with Team USA before eventually falling 74-73.
Along the way, he caused trouble for some of the league’s best defensive players — including Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Bam Adebayo — with his handles, athleticism, and an already-polished jumper.
“You know, selfishly I wish high school players that are ready didn’t have to go to college,” Podziemski told The U.S. Sun during the Las Vegas Summer League when asked about Flagg’s display.
“I feel like he could be in the NBA right now.”
Podziemski said he “liked [Flagg] a lot,” emphasizing the teenager’s approachable personality and desire to learn from his more experienced teammates by asking many questions in Vegas.
The young forward cast pleasantries aside once the ball went up in the air, though.
Viral videos of the Duke recruit showed him drilling 3s over Davis and leaving Holiday on roller skates with some silky moves.
Flagg’s fearlessness left Podziemski and everyone else in awe — if not immediately, then certainly after the scrimmage was over, the Warriors guard said.
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Particularly as, Podz noted, players on both sides entered the court locked in.
“I think the beauty of those guys is they’re all competitors,” Podziemski said of Team USA after being asked about vibes during the scrimmage with Flagg adding to his highlight reel.
“As good of defenders as they are, there’s elite-level offensive players in the NBA. You’re going to get scored on sometimes.
“For them, it was just trying to compete to win. And it was the same for us.
USA basketball Olympic schedule
Men
July 28, 11.15am ET – USA 110-84 Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11.15am ET – USA vs Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA 102-76 Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network
“I think after the fact, we kind of were like, ‘Wow, that’s pretty cool.’
“But in the moment, we were all just competing out there and just trying to win.”
Always eager to “help the younger guys,” Podziemski said it was a pleasure to share the floor with the Flagg alum, offer him guidance, and throw some passes his way.
The Warriors star looks forward to watching the projected No. 1 overall pick’s development before he finally arrives in the NBA.
“He’s an alpha,” Podz said.
“Whatever team has that number one pick this year, they’re gonna have him and they’re gonna be able to build around him. And I think he welcomes that and he wants that.
“He’s been the alpha, the best player all his life. And I’m just excited to see him grow this year at Duke.”
