Cooper Flagg is destined to take the NBA by storm. Drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks after balling out in Duke, he is now set to become a superstar. His first steps as a pro have been in the Summer League, and let’s just say he has impressed.
His games have also been dealing with good storylines. His debut came against Bronny James and the Lakers. While he showed glimpses, it was a discreet performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 32 minutes. Flagg showed his ability to do a bit of everything.
However, his second game was against state rivals, San Antonio Spurs, and more importantly, against the second overall pick, Dylan Harper. In other words, the two best prospects of this class were going head to head. Flagg demolished the Spurs as he scored 31 points, nearly half of the team’s points. His points were the most scored by a no.1 pick in the Summer League since 2010, when John Wall was taking the NBA by storm.
With Flagg, the Mavs are contenders
This is the Flagg we’ve all been waiting for. A relentless, three-level scorer that can take over a game. However, his case is a weird one. Usually, a first pick would go to a bad team, starting a new era where said team tries to build around its new star. This is not the case for Flagg. He is going to Dallas, who got unbelievably lucky in the lottery. The Mavs have a top-tier roster and Flagg might be the missing piece to win it all.
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Anthony Davis is one of the best big men in the NBA. Kyrie Irving is the best ball handler in the league. Klay Thompson is still one of the best sharpshooters from three. Then, you add Flagg, who can do it all. On the rotation, Dallas has Tim Hardaway Jr., a prolific scorer, and D’Angelo Russell, who might be running for best 6th man if all goes well. Not to mention, the roster still has names like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to add size. The Mavs are a contender.
see also
Spurs’ Dylan Harper hints at future battles with Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg
Flagg might be too good, but will he have the spotlight?
The flip side on entering a team like this is that you won’t be needed to shine as much. At this moment, Flagg won’t be the first option on offense. Probably not even the second. That may hurt his stats, but also make his team push for a title.
Does Flagg has the talent to be a top-tier player in the NBA? Absolutely. Will he be one immediately? That’s not so sure. His team will have to distribute the rock and he will have to make the most of it when given the chance. What is true is the following: Dallas has an incredible team and will challenge everyone.
