Why Tyrese Haliburton better than Cooper Flagg: 10 Reasons Explained in Depth

When discussing the future and present of basketball, two names that generate significant buzz are Tyrese Haliburton and Cooper Flagg. Haliburton, an established NBA All-Star and floor general for the Indiana Pacers, continues to prove his worth at the professional level. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg—though immensely talented—is still an up-and-coming high school phenom expected to make waves in the college game before hitting the NBA. While Flagg may represent tomorrow, Haliburton exemplifies elite performance today. Here are ten compelling reasons why Tyrese Haliburton is currently better than Cooper Flagg, broken down across 20 informative paragraphs.

1. NBA Experience and Proven Track Record

Tyrese Haliburton is not a prospect—he’s a proven NBA star. He’s already competed against the best players in the world, night in and night out, and has delivered All-Star caliber performances. This level of competition is unmatched in high school or even college, where Flagg currently plays.

2. Leadership at the Professional Level

Haliburton has already demonstrated the ability to lead an NBA team. During the 2023–24 season, he carried the Pacers deep into the playoffs and was their clear floor general. His composure and vocal presence on and off the court show a maturity that comes from real-world experience, not projection.

3. Basketball IQ

One of Haliburton’s most celebrated attributes is his basketball IQ. His court vision, decision-making, and ability to manipulate defenses are already elite. Flagg, while intelligent for his age, hasn’t yet shown that he can process the game at the lightning-fast speed of the NBA.

4. Elite Passing Ability

Haliburton is arguably one of the best passers in the league, ranking among the top assist leaders. His creativity and unselfish play elevate everyone around him. Flagg has solid vision for a forward, but he hasn’t yet demonstrated Haliburton-level distribution skills.

5. Versatility in Offense

Tyrese can score in a variety of ways—pull-up jumpers, floaters, catch-and-shoot threes, and drives to the rim. He’s an efficient and crafty scorer who rarely takes bad shots. Flagg, while offensively gifted, is still developing his perimeter shot and shot selection.

6. Efficiency and Advanced Metrics

Haliburton regularly ranks high in advanced statistics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Offensive Rating, and True Shooting Percentage. These metrics support what fans see with their eyes: he’s an efficient, smart player who maximizes possessions.

7. Clutch Performance

Whether it’s hitting big shots or making the right pass in crunch time, Haliburton shines when the stakes are highest. Flagg has yet to face that kind of pressure in a packed NBA arena with a season on the line.

8. Physical Durability and Conditioning

Standing at 6’5” with a wiry but durable frame, Haliburton has shown he can handle the grind of an 82-game season. Flagg, although athletic and strong for his age, has not yet proven he can withstand the physical and mental demands of a full NBA campaign.

9. Consistency Across Seasons

Haliburton has steadily improved every year since entering the league, showing a dedication to craft and growth. He’s not just a one-season wonder; his game has expanded with each offseason. Cooper Flagg, for all his hype, is still untested at any level beyond high school.

10. Defensive IQ and Impact

While not known as a lockdown defender, Haliburton is sneaky good on defense—using his long arms, anticipation, and awareness to rack up steals and deflections. Flagg, though a solid defender, has yet to prove he can guard NBA-level talent across multiple positions.

11. Experience in International Play

Haliburton has represented the U.S. in international play, facing elite global competition. These experiences sharpened his skills and broadened his basketball perspective. Flagg may do the same in the future, but Haliburton has already been battle-tested on that stage.

12. Professional Work Ethic

NBA veterans and coaches often praise Haliburton’s commitment to improving his game. From film study to practice habits, he behaves like a seasoned professional. Flagg is just beginning to form his work habits under the microscope of national attention.

13. On-Court Composure

Tyrese rarely gets rattled. Whether he’s being pressed, trapped, or double-teamed, he remains calm and makes smart decisions. Flagg, though composed for a teenager, hasn’t encountered defenses specifically schemed to stop him in a high-stakes professional environment.

14. Teammate Chemistry

Haliburton has shown he can quickly build chemistry with various teammates, from big men like Myles Turner to wings like Buddy Hield. This adaptability makes him a valuable locker-room presence. Flagg has only played in developmental systems, where chemistry is still forming.

15. Real-Time Adjustment Ability

In-game adjustments separate good players from great ones. Haliburton can read a defense and adjust on the fly—changing tempo, using decoys, or exploiting matchups. Flagg has potential but hasn’t yet shown that kind of high-level game management.

16. Star-Level Impact Without High Usage

Unlike some players who need the ball constantly to be effective, Haliburton makes a major impact even with moderate usage. He doesn’t dominate the ball selfishly, yet always affects the outcome. Flagg’s game, so far, is predicated on being the focal point of an offense.

17. Mentor Role and Maturity

Despite being young himself, Haliburton has mentored younger players and shown a high level of emotional intelligence. He handles media, locker room dynamics, and personal branding like a veteran. Flagg is still learning how to manage those aspects of being a star.

18. Proven Results in a System

Haliburton has thrived in Rick Carlisle’s structured offensive system and has bought into team-first basketball. He’s proven that he can perform at a high level within a system, not just as a solo act. Flagg’s fit within complex basketball systems remains to be seen.

19. Respect Among NBA Peers

Current and former NBA players, analysts, and coaches consistently praise Haliburton’s game. He’s widely regarded as one of the most exciting young stars in the league. Flagg, while respected for his potential, is still an unknown commodity to many NBA minds.

20. Reality vs. Projection

At the end of the day, Haliburton is the real deal—an All-Star and future MVP candidate with numbers, wins, and impact to back up his status. Cooper Flagg is still a projection. Until he plays at the NBA level and performs consistently, Haliburton will remain the better player.

In conclusion, while Cooper Flagg is an elite talent with a bright future, Tyrese Haliburton is already a polished, professional star with a skill set that is both refined and impactful. Comparing the two is like comparing potential energy to kinetic energy—one is building up, while the other is already in motion. For now, Haliburton holds the crown.