Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Debuts in Summer League Against Lakers

Cooper Flagg, the 2025 NBA Draft's first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks, made his Summer League debut against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 10 points despite describing it as one of his worst games. Flagg's transition from Duke University to the NBA has been challenging, as he acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to a new team and higher level of competition, but remains optimistic about playing alongside experienced stars like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis. He gained valuable experience competing against the U.S. Men's National Team, which highlighted areas for improvement, especially in preparation and game IQ. Flagg has shown maturity and confidence, understanding the pressures and expectations without being overwhelmed, focusing instead on growth and teamwork. His rookie experience is supported by promising teammates including Ryan Nembhard, who may play a larger role due to injuries on the Mavericks' roster. Despite the tough adjustment, Flagg’s college dominance and early professional experiences signal a promising future as he begins his NBA career.