Byron Scott has rejected comparisons between Cooper Flagg and Larry Bird, arguing that the Dallas Mavericks forward has not done enough in his young NBA career to be compared with the Boston Celtics legend.
Speaking on Byron Scott Fast Break, the former NBA champion responded to DeMarcus Cousins’ comments suggesting that Bird was not doing what Flagg is doing in today’s game. Scott, who played against Bird, was emphatic about which player he would choose.
“What does Cooper do better than Bird that could justify that statement?” Scott was asked.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I mean, the only thing that DeMarcus said that, you know, Cooper Flagg has an edge on is jumping. His athletic ability, but that’s not a skill. That’s a God-given talent. He’s able to jump higher than Larry Bird, right? But other than that, Cooper Flagg got s*** on Larry Bird. I’m gonna tell you that straight.”
Scott praised Bird’s competitiveness and ability, recalling how the Celtics forward viewed being guarded by black players as a sign of respect.
“Larry Bird, to me, still is, and I even hate saying it like this, the coldest white boy I’ve ever seen play basketball,” Scott said.
He explained that Bird wanted black defenders matched up against him because he believed they represented a greater challenge. Scott also recalled Bird praising Michael Cooper as the best defensive player he had faced.
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For Scott, the comparison is premature regardless of Flagg’s considerable potential. He argued that the Mavericks forward needs considerably more time in the league before his career can be evaluated alongside Bird’s.
“First of all, it’s unfair to Cooper Flagg. He hasn’t played long enough,” Scott said. “Don’t start talking about Larry Bird and all these other great white players who played and he’s better. Don’t do that. Let this man get 10 years in the league and then start looking back on his career and what’s happened.”
Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, delivered an impressive rookie campaign with Dallas. The 19-year-old averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games, shooting 46.8% from the field and 82.7% from the free-throw line. He was named Rookie of the Year despite the Mavericks finishing 26-56.
Bird, meanwhile, won three NBA championships, three consecutive regular-season MVP awards from 1984 through 1986, and two Finals MVP awards during his career with Boston.
Scott also named Pete Maravich as the only other player he would place in a comparable category to Bird, praising the late guard for being ahead of his time.
