Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted forward selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, recently made his debut in the Las Vegas Summer League. Expectations were high for the 18-year-old after a standout year at Duke, where he showcased his immense talent and potential. However, his first game with the Mavericks against the Los Angeles Lakers did not go as smoothly as anticipated.
In a matchup that drew significant attention, particularly due to the presence of Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, Flagg’s performance left much to be desired. Despite the hype surrounding the game, both young talents struggled on the offensive end. Flagg finished with 10 points on just 5-of-21 shooting, alongside six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Meanwhile, Bronny managed only eight points, missing a crucial potential game-winner.
After the game, Flagg was candid about his performance. “I’m not necessarily worried, but I’m not happy with how it went,” he stated. “At the end of the day, we got the win, and that’s what really matters to me.” Flagg’s team secured a victory, which he noted was a positive takeaway from the experience despite his individual struggles. He described the game as potentially “one of the worst games of my life,” but emphasized that winning was paramount.
Flagg’s role in this game was a departure from his usual playstyle. He was tasked with bringing the ball up the court and playing more from the post, which presented a new challenge for him. “It’s new for me—bringing it up, handling full-court pressure,” he admitted. “I was a little tired, but it was good to deal with that and work through some things.” He acknowledged that adapting to the Mavericks’ system and the pace of the game would take time.
Despite his offensive inefficiencies, Flagg’s defensive effort stood out. He demonstrated his ability to contribute in various areas, helping his team secure the win. “Shots weren’t falling, but that’s going to happen,” he reflected. “It’s somewhat new to me. I haven’t probably taken that many shots before, so I’m going to try and figure it out.” Flagg expressed optimism about learning from the experience and improving as the Summer League progresses.
It’s worth noting that Flagg’s struggles in his debut are not uncommon for top prospects. Many players face challenges as they transition from college to the professional level, particularly in the Summer League, where the pace and style of play can differ significantly. Fans shouldn’t be overly concerned after just one game; with time, hard work, and adaptation, Flagg is expected to showcase the talent that made him a standout at Duke.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Flagg to see how he bounces back from this initial setback. The Mavericks have high hopes for their young star, and with his determination and skill set, he has the potential to become a key player for the franchise in the upcoming NBA season.