Former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer has seen plenty of elite talent throughout his career, but when it comes to rising star Cooper Flagg, he sees a rare mix of skills reminiscent of a former defensive menace. Boozer recently compared Flagg’s game to Andrei Kirilenko, the Utah Jazz forward known for his defensive versatility, high basketball IQ, and all-around impact.
Carlos Boozer Sees Shades of ‘AK-47’ in Cooper Flagg’s All-Around Game
Why Boozer Sees the ‘AK-47’ Comparison
Speaking in a recent interview, Boozer, who played alongside Kirilenko in Utah, highlighted Flagg’s ability to impact both ends of the floor. He pointed out that like Kirilenko, Flagg is a long, athletic forward who can guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and contribute as a playmaker.
“Cooper Flagg is just everywhere on the court—blocking shots, hitting threes, setting up teammates. He reminds me a lot of AK-47,” Boozer said. “Andrei was one of the most unique players I ever played with, and I see that same Swiss Army knife ability in Flagg.”
Flagg, a consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, has been praised for his defensive instincts, intensity, and ability to do a little bit of everything on the court.
How Flagg Compares to Kirilenko’s Game
Kirilenko was never a high-volume scorer but was one of the most valuable two-way players in the NBA during his prime. Flagg’s skill set aligns with Kirilenko in several key areas:
- Defensive Versatility – Both players can guard multiple positions, serve as weak-side shot blockers, and rack up steals with quick instincts.
- High Motor – Kirilenko was known for his non-stop energy, and Flagg plays with a similar relentless approach.
- Playmaking Ability – Flagg has demonstrated strong court vision, just as Kirilenko was an underrated passer for his position.
- Scoring Potential – While Kirilenko was never a primary scorer, Flagg has a more advanced offensive game at a younger age, making him an even greater upside prospect.
While the comparison is flattering, Flagg has the potential to surpass Kirilenko’s impact, particularly as a scorer. His shooting ability is more developed than Kirilenko’s, and with the modern NBA prioritizing skilled big wings, he could be an even more valuable asset.
If Flagg continues on his current trajectory, he could enter the NBA as a high lottery pick with the ability to immediately affect winning—much like Kirilenko did in his prime.
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Carlos Boozer’s comparison between Cooper Flagg and Andrei Kirilenko highlights the kind of impact the young star could have at the next level. With his combination of length, defensive prowess, and playmaking skills, Flagg could be the kind of two-way force that franchises build around. Whether he reaches Kirilenko’s level—or even surpasses it—remains to be seen, but the hype surrounding Flagg continues to grow.
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