Cooper Flagg's professional debut with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night was a spectacle filled with promise and the kind of raw energy that only a No. 1 overall pick can bring. Against the Los Angeles Lakers and their own rising star Bronny James, Flagg showcased why he was the top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, despite a shooting night that left much to be desired. The game, held at the packed Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas during the NBA 2K26 Summer League, was a nail-biter that ended with Dallas edging out Los Angeles 87-85.
From the moment Flagg stepped into the arena at 4:17 p.m., donning Mavericks gear and bright white New Balance shoes, the anticipation was palpable. Fans were buzzing, and the energy crescendoed as he warmed up shortly after 5 p.m. The crowd, a mix of Lakers loyalists and Mavericks hopefuls, erupted when Flagg was announced as a starter, signaling the arrival of a new chapter for Dallas basketball.
Flagg's first points came in spectacular fashion. After a slow start, missing his initial two shots and picking up an early foul just 46 seconds into the game, he electrified the crowd with a ferocious one-handed tomahawk dunk on a coast-to-coast fast break. This play, initiated by a steal, was a vivid display of his explosive athleticism and court vision. It was the kind of moment that instantly connects a player with fans and sets the tone for what's to come.
His offensive highlights didn't stop there. Flagg nailed a smooth baseline fadeaway jumper over Lakers' 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht, drawing cheers from the Sin City faithful. He also executed an off-balance, fall-away jumper over Bronny James and added a tough lay-in through contact, demonstrating a versatile scoring arsenal. However, the shooting struggles were evident as he finished 5-for-21 from the field and went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. Despite this, Flagg remained aggressive, embodying the Mavericks' coaching staff's encouragement to experiment and push his limits.
On the defensive end, Flagg was a force to be reckoned with. His 7-foot wingspan and 6-foot-8 frame allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and intimidate opponents. He swatted away a crucial layup attempt by Lakers guard DJ Steward with just over a minute remaining, a block that directly led to Ryan Nembhard's game-winning three-pointer. This sequence underscored Flagg's potential as a two-way player capable of impacting the game beyond scoring.
Flagg's all-around game was further highlighted by his stat line: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, with only one turnover despite facing intense defensive pressure. These numbers mirror his collegiate performance at Duke, where he averaged 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks, placing him in elite company alongside players like Scottie Barnes and Jalen Johnson. His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game is a major reason for the excitement surrounding his NBA future.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who has drawn comparisons between Flagg and a young Grant Hill, emphasized the importance of effort and grit in the summer league. "This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout," Kidd said. "But the guys have had a couple practices. There's going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one's gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish." Regarding Flagg, Kidd expressed clear enthusiasm: "We're all excited. Seen enough of him on tape, so now it's good to see him on the floor."
Flagg himself was candid about his debut. "I couldn't really get into a rhythm, it's a different environment, obviously very different from college, it's probably very different from what the real NBA is gonna be like," he said after the game. "The coaches had a lot of confidence in me. They've been telling me they want me to experiment, try some new things, and I was trying to be aggressive, and that's new for me too. I would say that might be one of the worst games in my life, but we got the win, that's what really matters to me." His humility and focus on team success highlight a maturity beyond his 18 years.
Physically, Flagg stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 220 pounds, with a wingspan measuring seven feet, making him a formidable presence on the court. In the game, he was matched up against Lakers forward Darius Bazley, a 6-foot-8 former first-round pick, showcasing the type of versatile defensive assignments Flagg will face in the NBA. The Mavericks' frontcourt boasts the likes of 6-foot-10 Anthony Davis and 7-foot-1 Dereck Lively II, creating a towering and dynamic lineup that Flagg will complement perfectly.
Flagg's ability to run the floor and create in transition was on full display. His first bucket, the tomahawk dunk, was a textbook example of his explosiveness and court awareness. He pushed the pace repeatedly, including a dazzling look-ahead pass from beyond half court that, while not resulting in a score due to a teammate's miss, demonstrated his elite vision and playmaking skills. These traits make him an instant weapon in transition offense, a facet of the game the Mavericks will undoubtedly leverage.
Fans in attendance included young Mavericks supporters like 15-year-old Baer Epple from Seattle, who has followed Flagg since his high school days in Newport, Maine. Epple expressed hope that Flagg lives up to his potential, reflecting the high expectations placed on the young star by the Mavericks faithful.
Despite the shooting woes, Flagg's debut was a compelling glimpse into his multifaceted game and the impact he could have on the Mavericks' fortunes. His defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and physical tools suggest a player who can influence the game in numerous ways beyond scoring. As the summer league progresses and Flagg gains experience, the Mavericks and their fans will be eager to see him refine his offensive game and continue to develop into the franchise cornerstone they envision.
Thursday's game was a tightly contested affair, with Bronny James contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Lakers. The matchup was notable not only for the individual talents on display but also for the highest average ticket price for a summer league game since Victor Wembanyama's debut, underscoring the growing excitement around these young stars.
As the Mavericks look ahead to the 2025-26 NBA season, Cooper Flagg's debut serves as a promising foundation. While there is room for growth, especially in shooting consistency, his all-around game and competitive spirit provide a glimpse of a player ready to make an immediate impact. With a supportive coaching staff led by Jason Kidd and a talented roster around him, Flagg's journey is just beginning, but the signs are already encouraging.
