Cooper Flagg`s much-anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks took place Thursday in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. The game in Las Vegas saw the Mavericks face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring Bronny James.
This matchup generated significant buzz, commanding the highest average ticket price for a summer league game since Victor Wembanyama`s debut for the San Antonio Spurs. Flagg marked his first professional points with a powerful dunk. As the number one pick in the 2025 draft, Flagg finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, contributing to Dallas` 87-85 victory over Los Angeles. James` stat line included 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
What insights can be gathered from Flagg`s initial outing as a Maverick? Our NBA experts offer their perspectives on the key takeaways, his best moment, and the aspect of his game that had the most notable impact.
Flagg Shows Potential as Immediate Impact Player for Mavs
There has never been any doubt about Flagg`s inherent talent. At just 18 years old, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound prospect boasts a physique well-suited for the NBA, coupled with an explosive athleticism that frequently elicits gasps from the crowd.
When these physical attributes are combined with Flagg`s impressive ballhandling ability at full speed and his natural feel for the game, it`s clear why Mavericks coach Jason Kidd noted a similarity to a young Grant Hill after reviewing film of the top draft pick.
Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact as a weapon in transition offense. This facet of his game was prominently displayed in his first official game in a Dallas uniform, although he faced challenges finding his rhythm in the half-court offense against the Lakers.
Flagg`s inaugural bucket was a fierce tomahawk dunk, capping off a solo fast break he initiated with a steal. He pushed the tempo again on the subsequent possession before sinking a smooth baseline fadeaway shot over Dalton Knecht, the Lakers` 2024 first-round pick. On the following possession, Flagg delivered a breathtaking assist – a sharp, look-ahead pass from beyond half court while once again pushing the ball. Although it didn`t show up in the box score because Dallas center Moussa Cisse couldn`t convert, it`s easy to envision Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford finishing such a pass with a powerful dunk.
Flagg`s blend of skill and basketball IQ also created the game`s most crucial sequence. He soared to block a layup attempt, immediately pushed the pace, and found guard Ryan Nembhard for an uncontested 3-pointer, giving the Mavericks the lead for good with 59.1 seconds remaining.
It was a difficult shooting night for Flagg, hitting only 5-of-21 from the field, including 0-of-5 from three-point range. Nevertheless, it was compelling to watch him lead the fast break, a role he appears ready to embrace immediately upon entering the league. — Tim MacMahon
Flagg`s First Dunk Electrifies Summer League Crowd
The audience at the Thomas & Mack Center was so eager for Thursday`s game between the Mavericks and Lakers that they booed the referees mercilessly at the end of the preceding Brooklyn Nets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game. Their frustration wasn`t necessarily with the validity of the take foul called on Brooklyn rookie Ben Saraf in the final seconds, but rather with any delay preventing Flagg from finally stepping onto the court.
Once the game began, the fans` anticipation of witnessing Flagg make his official mark in the league was further prolonged.
Flagg`s first official statistic of the summer league was a missed fadeaway shot from 12 feet just 18 seconds into the first quarter. Less than 30 seconds later, he appeared in the box score again, this time for fouling Lakers forward Darius Bazley during a rebound battle.
Around 30 seconds later, Flagg took his second shot, a three-pointer, and missed once more.
He remained scoreless when he was subbed out for the first time with 5:38 left in the first quarter. However, after a brief rest, he checked back in. And then it happened. Flagg intercepted a pass thrown by Lakers guard DJ Steward, swiping it out of the passing lane. He powered down the court to finish the fast break with a coast-to-coast tomahawk dunk.
The fans got what they came for, erupting in a roar that filled the arena.
Flagg finished with 5-for-21 shooting, totaling 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
On paper, it might seem like a forgettable stat line. But he delivered a memorable moment. You never forget your first. — Dave McMenamin
Flagg`s Impact Beyond Scoring
In his summer league debut, Flagg struggled with his shot, missing 16 of his 21 attempts and failing to score in the second half. However, there is no need to be concerned about a single off-shooting night – his potential is largely based on his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories beyond just scoring.
At Duke, Flagg averaged 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks. For perspective, in the last NBA season, only two players averaged similar numbers (at least 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block): versatile forwards Scottie Barnes and Jalen Johnson. The NBA players with the most such seasons in history are Kevin Garnett (10 times), Giannis Antetokounmpo (8), and Chris Webber (7).
In Thursday`s 32 minutes of play, Flagg essentially mirrored his college averages, recording 6 rebounds, 4 assists (he likely would have had more assists if teammates had hit more of his kickout passes), 3 steals, and 1 block. He also managed only one turnover despite facing intense ball pressure from Lakers defenders.
This comprehensive production is a significant part of Flagg`s appeal and a source of optimism as he begins his rookie season for a team expected to contend. Playing alongside talents like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D`Angelo Russell, and eventually Kyrie Irving, Flagg won`t be required to be the primary scorer, as he was on Thursday. His greatest effectiveness will come from his ability to contribute in all other aspects of the game – particularly on defense, where his playmaking potential already indicates he can be a game changer. — Zach Kram
Flagg`s Size Poses Challenge for NBA Opponents
Against NBA opponents, Flagg`s size was immediately striking. Listed at 6-9, Flagg is projected to begin his career at small forward for the notably large Mavericks, who boast a frontcourt featuring the 6-10 Davis and the 7-1 Lively.
To start the game, Flagg was defended by former first-round pick Bazley, who nominally played center for the Lakers at 6-8. This kind of defensive mismatch won`t be a viable option when Flagg plays alongside Davis and either Lively or the 6-10 Gafford, who can exploit smaller defenders in ways nobody else on Dallas` summer roster could.
When matched up against shorter opponents, Flagg`s size is expected to provide multiple advantages. When running pick-and-rolls, Flagg will have clear sightlines to pass over the top of defenders. This is a tactic Jason Kidd encouraged Giannis Antetokounmpo to use when coaching him early in his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. It`s clear he`s adopting a similar approach with Flagg.
On the defensive end, Flagg`s size enables him to make highlight plays, as Kram detailed. With a wingspan of 7 feet, nearly as large as lottery center pick Derik Queen (7-foot-½), Flagg will be a constant disruptive force in passing lanes.
Ideally, the Mavericks will eventually acquire a dedicated wing stopper, allowing them to deploy Flagg to defend less dangerous shooters and function more as an active help defender. For now, when P.J. Washington is off the court, Dallas might need Flagg to take on the assignment of guarding the opponent`s best perimeter threat. — Kevin Pelton
