Inside the Celtics’ NBA combine interview with Cooper Flagg, Brad Stevens discusses whether to…

Presumptive number one overall pick Cooper Flagg interviewed with the Celtics last week at the NBA Draft combine, an unexpected meeting between the former Duke standout and Brad Stevens, Boston’s chief of basketball operations. The Celtics have the 28th pick in the first round, and the Dallas Mavericks have no plans to trade the top pick after winning the lottery.

Stevens explained why his team met with Flagg, the college basketball Player of the Year last season.

“We can rate who we want to talk to and who we know we won’t be able to work out with, which is how we decide who we want to talk to at the combine. Otherwise, we may never get to speak with them again,” Stevens said at Boston’s season-ending press conference. “So the only individuals who will come in and work out for us are those who are inside our price range, or who are at the bottom of our price range, or whatever. “That has nothing to do with any of that.”

At the end of his response, Stevens effectively addressed widespread conjecture regarding the Celtics’ interest in Flagg and a potential blockbuster trade situation.

In simply, it’s not happening.

Will there be fireworks on Draft Night? I cannot imagine. But who knows? I would not guess with us.”

Celtics player Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury in Game 5 of the team’s second-round playoff series and will have a lengthy offseason to recuperate. Jaylen Brown agreed to a five-year, supermax agreement with the team ahead of the 2023-24 season.

If the Mavericks were interested, it appears that the rest of the roster might be traded.

Brad Stevens’ non-answers reveal the Celtics’ uncertain future following Jayson Tatum’s injury.
Jack Maloney
Brad Stevens’ non-answers reveal the Celtics’ uncertain future following Jayson Tatum’s injury.Flagg told CBS Sports last summer ahead of his only season with the Blue Devils that he grew up a big Celtics fan.

“We’d have a couple-hour drive for AAU tournaments and our little Chrysler van had a movie projector that would come down the middle and we’d pop in 85-86 Celtics the whole championship run and watch game by game, playing the whole thing over and over again,” Flagg told me. “I believe the way they played, the way they got the ball out quickly and pushed it down the court, the selflessness and unselfishness on that team of simply accepting a job, doing the right thing, putting your body on the line, it sort of represents what a good team has to have. Everyone has to make a sacrifice.

“Playing the game correctly will take you much further than attempting to do things you can’t or won’t help your side win. That kind of impact has proven essential to me.”

Flagg is naturally at ease in transition and strives to push the tempo, which is a Boston characteristic. The former five-star and No. 1 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle announced for the draft in April, after leading Duke to the Final Four as national Player of the Year.

Duke acquires an NBA prospect to serve as a replacement for Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel

In the wake of significant departures to the NBA Draft, including standout players Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, Duke University’s men’s basketball program is undergoing a transformative phase. Head Coach Jon Scheyer is tasked with rebuilding a roster that has lost considerable talent, aiming to maintain the team’s competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Tyrese Proctor, a 6-foot-6 guard from Australia, concluded his three-year tenure at Duke by declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. Known for his sharpshooting and defensive prowess, Proctor averaged 12.4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his junior year, shooting an impressive 40.5% from beyond the arc. His performance in the NCAA Tournament, particularly his 25-point game against Baylor, highlighted his ability to excel under pressure. Proctor’s departure leaves a void in the backcourt that Duke will need to address strategically.

Similarly, Kon Knueppel, a freshman sensation, has also declared for the NBA Draft after a remarkable season. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 217 pounds, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a notable 40.6% shooting percentage from three-point range. His accolades include Second-team All-ACC, ACC All-Freshman Team, and ACC Tournament MVP honors. Knueppel’s departure further emphasizes the need for Duke to replenish its roster with high-caliber talent.

In response to these significant losses, Coach Scheyer is focusing on recruiting players who can fill the gaps left by Proctor and Knueppel. One such prospect is Dame Sarr, a 6-foot-7 Italian player with a 7-foot wingspan. Sarr’s size and defensive capabilities align with Scheyer’s preference for height and defense-focused rosters, distinguishing his style from former coach Mike Krzyzewski’s emphasis on athletic versatility. Sarr’s potential addition could enhance Duke’s already tall lineup, which includes players like Pat Ngongba and Iffy Ufochukwu, both standing at 6-foot-11.

Another player to watch is Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard who has shown promise in stepping up during Proctor’s absence due to injury. Evans’ shooting prowess and continued development on the defensive end make him a strong candidate to fill the void in the backcourt. His performance in the latter part of the season suggests he could be a key contributor moving forward.

Additionally, Duke has secured a commitment from Cedric Coward, a transfer from Washington State. Coward’s experience and versatility could provide immediate support to the team’s evolving roster. His ability to adapt and contribute in various roles will be crucial as Duke navigates the challenges of integrating new players and maintaining its competitive stature.

The departures of Proctor and Knueppel mark the end of an era for Duke basketball, but they also signal the beginning of a new chapter. With a focus on recruiting versatile and defensively adept players, Coach Scheyer is poised to rebuild the team with a fresh perspective. The integration of new talent like Dame Sarr, the emergence of players like Isaiah Evans, and the addition of experienced transfers like Cedric Coward will be instrumental in shaping the future of Duke basketball. As the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming season, the program’s resilience and adaptability will be tested, but the foundation laid by Scheyer’s strategic recruitment offers a promising outlook.

Duke’s Kon Knueppel Makes Unfavorable NBA Draft Decision

Last season, the Duke Blue Devils recruited one of the top freshman classes in college basketball history.

Duke’s 2025 NBA Draft class includes Kon Knueppel, as well as past No. 1 overall talent Cooper Flagg, who is expected to be the first pick.

Knueppel, who had committed to the university as a top prospect, declared for the draft following his freshman season.

Knueppel was invited to the NBA Draft Combine, but his agent, Mark Bartelstein, stated that he did not participate in athletic testing or shooting drills due to an injury.

Bartelstein revealed that Knueppel is still recovering from an ankle injury.

According to Jonathan Givony, Bartelstein stated that Kon sprained his ankle three weeks ago and has yet to fully recover. “He’s currently at 85%, and we want him at 100%. He’s quite near. “Hopefully, he’ll be back by the end of the week and able to participate in our Pro Day on Friday.”

NEWS: Duke’s Kon Knueppel did not participate in the athletic testing or shooting drills portions of the NBA Draft Combine due to an injury, agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN.

“Kon sprained his ankle 3 weeks ago and is not all the way back yet,” Bartelstein said. “He’s at 85% now… pic.twitter.com/DbZc2SKkj4

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025

Knueppel is largely regarded as an NBA Draft lottery prospect following his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils.

During his freshman season, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He started all 39 games for the Blue Devils, guiding the team to a 35-4 record.

Under Knueppel, Duke won the ACC Tournament and received a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel. Robert Deutsch-Images

Knueppel’s draft stock may be overshadowed by Cooper Flagg and possibly his Duke teammate Khaman Maluach, but he demonstrated during his freshman season at the collegiate level that he can have an immediate impact on any team.

Five-Star College Basketball Recruit Makes Significant Duke Statement

Despite being a junior, Jordan Smith, a five-star shooting guard, is already attracting interest from blue bloods, indicating that Duke may be on the rise.

Smith, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound recruit from Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, is the No. 6 overall player in the 2026 class and the top-ranked shooting guard, as per 247Sports.

He plays for Team Takeover on the Nike EYBL circuit and has swiftly become one of the most in-demand athletes in the nation.

During a recent interview with Dushawn London of 247Sports, Smith emphasized Duke’s impressive performance.

“I really like Duke and how they’re changing the program around,” Smith told the crowd. “Whenever I went up to see the coaches, they always treated me like family. It was incredibly enjoyable. I saw my colleagues, and there was a wonderful mood amongst them.”

While the Blue Devils remain a perennial college basketball powerhouse, creating true connections on the recruiting path is what keeps them ahead under Jon Scheyer.

Smith’s focus on feeling like a “family” reflects what many previous Duke players have said as a reason for committing.

Although Smith has yet to schedule any formal trips, he is considering many elite schools.

“Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Duke, and Syracuse are some of the schools recruiting me the hardest right now,” he told me.

Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with guard Cooper Flagg. Rich Barnes-Images

Smith’s recruitment is likely to pick up during the summer as college coaches examine potential during live sessions, but with his early praise for Duke and strong Nike EYBL connections, the Blue Devils seem to be in a good position.

Smith’s decision is far from imminent, but Duke is obviously a program to keep an eye on throughout his recruitment.

THE BLAME GAME: Is Cooper Flagg Unfairly Being Held Responsible for Duke’s Tough Loss?

Duke’s epic Final Four collapse against Houston is haunted by the controversial Cooper Flagg penalty.

Cooper Flagg was called for a foul on J’Wan Roberts in the closing seconds of Duke-Houston in the Final Four.

On Saturday night in San Antonio, Duke suffered a devastating 70-67 Final Four loss to Houston due to a variety of factors. However, one moment may exacerbate the frustration of the fervent Blue Devil fan base more than any other.

Duke’s lead, which had been nine points with under three minutes remaining, was reduced to one with 25 seconds remaining on account of a turnover and a follow-up layup by Joseph Tugler.

Duke Junior Tyrese Proctor then missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Cooper Flagg was called for an over-the-back foul on J’Wan Roberts, which sent the sixth-year senior to the line.

Cooper Flagg called for a foul here. This gives Houston free throws on the other end. The announcers do not like the call pic.twitter.com/JwSNz6UWrB

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) April 6, 2025

Roberts composedly executed both ends of a one-on-one to provide Houston with its first lead since 4-2.

However, the debate regarding whether the contest should have been decided by those free throws will persist for an extended period.

Flagg was frantically attempting to retrieve the ball; however, it did not appear that Duke’s star freshman had truly sprinted over the edge.

CBS’ Bill Raftery stated during the call, “That appears to be a ruse to me.”

Grant Hill, a Duke luminary and colleague analyst, concurred, “I concur.”

“He was being excluded.” Raftery concluded the conversation with a “Wow.”

In the final seconds of Duke’s 70-67 Final Four loss to Houston on April 5, 2025, Cooper Flagg was penalised for a penalty on J’Wan Roberts.

The ball would have likely been in Houston’s possession regardless, as it would have deflected to the Cougars’ LJ Cryer.

However, it is a pity that an officiating controversy somewhat spoilt a classic Final Four matchup and epic revival, allowing the game’s most critical moment to be decided at the free-throw line.

Numerous individuals on social media expressed comparable sentiments.

“That was an absolutely appalling foul call against Cooper Flagg.” Certainly not. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN wrote on X, “No way.”

Cooper Flagg reacts to the foul. X

Warren Sharp, an NFL analyst, stated, “I fail to comprehend how this constitutes a Flagg foul.”

The foul was described as “ludicrous” and “atrocious” by others.

It was a component of what will be remembered as one of the most devastating losses in the program’s illustrious history.

In the final 10:31 of the game, Duke attempted only one field goal, a 3-pointer by Flagg that extended the lead to 64-55, as Houston’s unwavering defence maintained its dominance.

Jon Scheyer argues a call during Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston. Getty Images

Flagg had one final opportunity to recapture the lead for Duke, but his turnaround jumper was unsuccessful due to a well-defended defence. Houston subsequently made two additional free throws to extend the lead to three.

The epic collapse was completed by a desperate last shot by Proctor, which was well off.

Flagg, who scored 27 points and is now likely on his way to being the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft after an electrifying freshman season, stated, “It was an incredible season.”

Cooper Flagg’s expression during a press conference following Duke’s Final Four defeat to Houston was one of frustration. A.P.

A dejected Cooper Flagg walks off the court after Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston. Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

“I am going to have incredible relationships with incredible people for the rest of my life.” Although the year did not conclude as we had hoped, it was still an extraordinary year.

On Monday night, Houston will compete for the national championship against Florida, which defeated Auburn 79-73 in the first game of Saturday evening.