GOLDEN State Warriors star Brandin Podziemski wishes the NBA didn’t have to wait another year for Cooper Flagg’s arrival.
The Duke commit surprised the basketball world last month, putting on a show during exhibition games with Team USA stars heading to the Paris Olympics.
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Flagg, 17, joined Podziemski, 21, on the U.S. squad, tasked with warming up LeBron James, Steph Curry and several other NBA All-Stars as pre-Olympic preparations begin in Las Vegas.
And the 6-foot-9 forward “kicked butt” facing the best shooters in the world, team coach Jamahl Mosley said.
The basketball sensation ended up being the preferred option among the group of NBA stars, who faced Team USA before falling 74-73.
Along the way, he caused problems for some of the league’s best defensive players — including Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Bam Adebayo — with his handles, athleticism and already polished jumper.
“You know, I selfishly wish high school players who are ready didn’t have to go to college,” Podziemski told The US Sun during the Las Vegas Summer League when asked about Flagg’s showing.
“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, asking lots of questions in Las Vegas.
The young striker left aside pleasantries when the ball went up in the air.
Viral videos of the Duke recruit showed him drilling 3s over Davis and leaving Holiday on skates with some smooth moves.
Flagg’s fearlessness left Podziemski and everyone else in awe — if not immediately, then certainly after the fight was over, the Warriors guard said.
Mainly because, Podz noted, players on both sides entered the court locked in.
“I think the beauty of these guys is they are all competitors,” Podziemski said of Team USA after being asked about the vibes during the match with Flagg adding highlights.
“As good defenders as they are, there are elite offensive players in the NBA.
“For them, it was just trying to compete to win. And it was the same for us.
USA Basketball Olympic Schedule
Men
July 28, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA 110-84 Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs. South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11:15 a.m. 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, 11:15 a.m. ET USA vs. Germany, USA Network
“I think after the fact, we were like, ‘Wow, this is really cool.’
“But in the moment, we were all competing and trying to win.”
Always eager to “help the younger ones,” Podziemski said it was a pleasure sharing the floor with the Flagg alumnus, offering him guidance and throwing a few passes his way.
The Warriors star hopes to watch the projected No. 1 overall pick develop before he finally makes it to the NBA.
“He’s an alpha,” Podz said.
“Whichever team has the number one pick this year, they will have it and be able to build around it. And I think he appreciates that and wants that.
“He has been the alpha, the best player of his entire life. And I’m so excited to watch him grow this year at Duke.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
