Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has shared candid advice for Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg regarding his potential future with the New Orleans Pelicans. Speaking on FanDuel TV‘s “Run It Back,” Cousins suggested Flagg delay his entry into the NBA Draft rather than risk joining the struggling Pelicans. “Cooper Flagg, go back to Duke or the [Utah] Jazz, brother,” Cousins said.
“With the Pelicans, you’ll get lost in the sauce with the Saints.” Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has dazzled with averages of 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for Duke this season, but Cousins’ remarks spotlight concerns about New Orleans’ ability to develop and retain young talent effectively.
Cousins, who played for the Pelicans during the 2017-2018 season, has not shied away from offering sharp critiques of the franchise. He previously urged Pelicans star Zion Williamson to leave New Orleans to maximize his potential with a more disciplined team environment.
Currently at 17-46, the Pelicans have fallen far from last season’s 49-33 success, placing them in contention for a bottom-three finish and a 14% chance at the top pick in the draft lottery. For a team once filled with optimism, their struggles have reignited questions about the organization’s direction and its ability to support budding stars like Flagg.
Flagg, a Maine native and highly-touted Duke freshman, faces a pivotal decision in the coming months. Should he heed Cousins’ advice and stay in college, he could further refine his game and possibly land with a more stable NBA franchise.
On the other hand, joining the Pelicans would place immense pressure on the young forward to help revitalize a franchise mired in inconsistency. With the 2025 NBA Draft looming, all eyes will be on whether Flagg takes the leap or opts for another year at Duke to avoid the pitfalls Cousins has warned against.
