Adam Silver Boosts Cooper Flagg’s Career by Urging Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer to Grant Him a Weekly Salary…

Adam Silver Boosts Cooper Flagg’s Career by Urging Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer to Grant Him a Weekly Salary

 

In a bold and unprecedented move, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reportedly voiced his support for top basketball prospect Cooper Flagg by encouraging Duke University’s head coach Jon Scheyer to consider offering the young star a weekly salary.

This suggestion has sparked widespread discussion across the basketball community, raising questions about the evolving nature of amateur sports and the increasing push toward compensating student-athletes.

Cooper Flagg, a rising freshman at Duke and one of the most talked-about young talents in recent memory, has already captured national attention with his exceptional skills, work ethic, and basketball IQ.Widely considered a future NBA lottery pick, Flagg’s journey is closely watched by scouts, fans, and analysts alike. His decision to commit to Duke only elevated the program’s status and brought renewed excitement to college basketball.

Adam Silver’s involvement, however, introduces a new dynamic. While the NBA Commissioner typically refrains from making public statements about college athletes, his support for Flagg underscores the importance of protecting and supporting young players who represent the future of professional basketball.

According to sources close to the situation, Silver believes that elite prospects like Flagg deserve compensation that reflects their impact, marketability, and the financial value they bring to major collegiate programs.

“Cooper Flagg isn’t just a college athlete—he’s a brand in the making,” one NBA insider noted. “Silver sees the potential risk of burnout or injury before these players even reach the league. A weekly salary could help offer some security and demonstrate that institutions like Duke recognize the value these young stars bring.”

NCAA rules have evolved in recent years, particularly with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, which allow student-athletes to earn money through sponsorships and endorsements. Still, the idea of a direct, weekly salary from a school’s athletic department remains controversial and, in most cases, not yet permissible under current NCAA policy. Adam Silver’s suggestion, then, could be seen as both progressive and provocative—pushing the conversation further into uncharted territory.

Jon Scheyer, who took over the Duke program from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, has not publicly responded to Silver’s comments. However, insiders suggest that Duke’s coaching staff and administration are exploring all legal avenues to ensure Flagg is fully supported during his time with the program. Whether that includes additional NIL opportunities or other forms of financial support remains to be seen.

Flagg himself has stayed focused on the court, continuing to train and prepare for his freshman season at Duke. Despite the media frenzy, those close to him say he remains humble and committed to team success above individual accolades.

As the conversation around athlete compensation continues to grow, Adam Silver’s comments may mark a turning point in how elite young talent is treated in college sports. Whether or not Flagg receives a weekly salary, one thing is clear—his presence is already reshaping the landscape of amateur basketball.