JJ Redick dismisses comparisons between Cooper Flagg and Grant Hill
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 121-94 in a preseason game in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg scored 13 points and added three assists and two rebounds. Flagg was getting the comparisons former NBA star Grant Hill — kind of like the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick addressed after the competition on Wednesday.
“No, not to be honest with you,” Redick said when asked if Flagg’s game reminded him of another player, via Vegas Sports Today. “He doesn’t really remind me of anyone. I know the Grant Hill comparison is thrown around a lot now, Cooper is his special player. I think his defensive instincts and playmaking ability are way beyond most 18-year-olds.
“He’s a worker. I expect him to develop into a really good shooter. But the two things that stand out right away, he just has such a good feel for the game. I talked before the game about his competitive edge. His defensive instincts and playmaking really stand out.”
Cooper Flagg is already being compared to a number of players. In addition to Hill, Flagg has shown a similar style of play to Jayson Tatum. Redick, however, believes Flagg is simply “his own special player.”
At just 18 years old — whether or not he reminds you of another player — Flagg has shown the poise and potential of a future superstar. The 2025 No. 1 pick has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason and is clearly ready to start the regular season.
With Wednesday’s game representing Dallas’ final preseason game, Flagg and the Mavs will begin preparing for the regular season opener at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
2025-10-16 14:23:00
