NBA Summer League: Cooper Flagg Shut Down After 31-Point Game

By Edcel Panganiban July 16, 2025 09:02

The Dallas Mavericks made a decisive move at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas by shutting down their number one overall pick, forward Cooper Flagg, after just two games. Flagg’s abrupt exit following a standout 31-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs came amid careful management of the rookie's debut and signals the franchise’s intention to preserve him for the regular season.

Flagg’s Summer League journey got off to a shaky start on July 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled offensively, finishing with a disappointing 5-for-21 shooting night and no points scored in the second half. Despite the rough outing, he showed flashes of defensive brilliance, including a vital block in crunch time that helped the Mavericks clinch a close game. The 6-foot-9 forward’s ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game on both ends was evident even in his early minutes.

Less than 48 hours later, Flagg responded in emphatic fashion with 31 points in a hard-fought 76-69 loss to the Spurs. His offensive arsenal was on full display as he attacked the basket with greater assertiveness, utilized a credible mid-range jumper, and demonstrated point-forward skills by initiating offense. In that game, he also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and showed a calm demeanor under pressure, calling plays and making smart decisions with the ball. Reflecting on his progress, Flagg remarked, “I’ve experienced similar situations before, just like going into college, with the same expectations and discussions surrounding me. So, it’s all about having faith in the work I’ve put in, trusting those countless hours, and being aware of my capabilities.”

Despite the promising performance, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and the front office decided to end Flagg’s Summer League participation early. According to reports from ESPN and other outlets, this move is part of a broader strategy to carefully manage the rookie's workload as he adjusts to the NBA's rigors and prepares for his first regular season. Flagg logged nearly 63 minutes across the two games, showing versatility as a primary ball-handler and a defensive disruptor.

Mavericks GM indicated that the team feels comfortable with what they have seen from Flagg so far. “Cooper got exactly what he needed to from Summer League. The reps, the experience, and the adjustments,” Kidd said. “Now it’s about continuing his growth behind the scenes and bringing that to training camp.” This approach mirrors the handling of other top rookies in recent years, where some organizations prudently limit Summer League exposure to reduce injury risk and extend freshness into the season.

Flagg’s rookie season projections remain high given his collegiate success at Duke, where he averaged 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His length, defensive instincts, and developing playmaking have drawn comparisons to versatile NBA forwards who can impact the game on multiple fronts. His Summer League stat line averaging 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists reinforces his potential despite the limited sample size.

The Dallas Mavericks’ cautious approach underscores a growing trend across the league to prioritize player health and long-term development over immediate Summer League production. Fans eager to see Flagg back on the court can expect his NBA regular season debut to carry significant excitement, as he remains one of the most intriguing and versatile rookies of the 2025 class.

In essence, Cooper Flagg’s short but eventful Summer League stint was a glimpse into his promising NBA future—one that the Mavericks intend to carefully nurture as the season approaches.