LAS VEGAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick, made his professional debut on Thursday night during the NBA Summer League, leading the Dallas Mavericks to an exhilarating 87-85 victory over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite facing challenges on the court, Flagg showcased glimpses of his immense potential.
In his first game, Flagg recorded 10 points on a shooting line of 5-for-21, struggling particularly from beyond the arc, finishing 0-for-5 on 3-point attempts. However, he contributed significantly with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Flagg’s defensive prowess was evident in critical moments, including a pivotal block against DJ Steward with just 1:10 left in the game, which helped the Mavericks secure their narrow win.
Reflecting on his performance, Flagg stated, “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 expressed gratitude towards the coaching staff, noting their encouragement to experiment and be aggressive on the court. “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,” Flagg added.
Arriving at UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. clad in Mavericks gear and bright white New Balance shoes, Flagg displayed a calm demeanor as he passed through security. His stoic expression remained as he warmed up shortly after 5 p.m. “I was obviously a little nervous; it’s a new environment, a lot of new fans and whatnot,” Flagg admitted. “So I was a little nervous, a little excited, but just happy to be here. It’s a dream come true, so I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
The atmosphere in the packed arena was electric, as Flagg’s loyal fans made their presence felt. The crowd erupted when he was announced as a starter for his inaugural Summer League game. Flagg missed his first two shots but quickly captivated the audience by going head-to-head with fellow fan favorite, Bronny James. After James scored on Flagg, he responded by making his first points of the game with a dunk that ignited cheers from the Mavericks supporters.
One young fan, 15-year-old Baer Epple, expressed his enthusiasm for Flagg, stating, “Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg. Hopefully, he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.” Epple, who traveled from Seattle for an AAU tournament, reminisced about following Flagg since high school.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of effort and grit in the team's Summer League opener. Before the game, he remarked, “This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout. 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.”
Kidd expressed excitement about Flagg’s potential, stating, “We’re all excited. Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.” As Flagg continues to adapt to the professional level, fans and coaches alike remain hopeful for his future with the Mavericks.
