The NBA Summer League often serves as a platform for under-the-radar prospects to prove their worth, but for elite young talent, the goal is to show they don’t need to be there long. After just two games in Las Vegas, Cooper Flagg has made that point loud and clear.
The Dallas Mavericks have officially shut down the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, ending his Summer League campaign early to preserve his health and prepare him for the regular season.
Flagg’s Debut: Rough Start, Strong Finish
Flagg’s highly anticipated debut came against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League squad. He struggled to find his rhythm offensively, scoring 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, including 0-for-6 from three. Despite the rough shooting night, Flagg showed his versatility—racking up six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block.
The game was clearly about adjusting—Flagg tested his offensive bag against NBA-level defenders and began to learn what translates. He looked slightly uncomfortable at times but still made an all-around impact.
Two nights later, he silenced any doubts.
Facing No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs, Flagg erupted for 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. He added four rebounds, an assist, and a block, looking every bit like a future star—even though Dallas lost 76–69.
Why Dallas Shut Him Down So Quickly
After that breakout performance, the Mavericks decided: that was enough.
Rather than risk unnecessary injury or overexposure, the front office opted to pull Flagg from the remaining Summer League schedule. For a franchise that just traded away Luka Dončić and is rebuilding around youth, keeping their prized rookie healthy was the obvious call.
Dallas is betting big on Flagg to be a foundational piece—and they’re not taking any chances. Especially with Kyrie Irving still recovering from a torn ACL, Flagg’s importance to their upcoming season can’t be overstated.
What’s Next for the Mavericks’ New Star?
With Summer League behind him, Flagg will turn his attention to training camp and preparing for his official NBA debut. His combination of length, skill, and two-way potential makes him one of the most hyped rookies in recent memory—and now, expectations in Dallas are even higher.
One thing is clear: he may be done in Vegas, but Cooper Flagg’s journey is just beginning.
