Cooper Flag showed no hesitation in critiquing his own performance after a challenging debut in the NBA Summer League, describing it as “not my norm” despite the Dallas Mavericks’ narrow 87-85 win. The No. 1 overall pick and former Duke standout scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists while playing close to 32 minutes, though he struggled with his shooting, missing most of his attempts beyond the three-point line.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, along with front office members and teammates, closely watched Flag’s first game, offering both support and lighthearted commentary. Kidd joked during halftime about Flag’s limited minutes, praising his ball handling and shot opportunities. However, Flag went scoreless in the second half, missing all nine of his field goal attempts, with only one of his made shots coming during transitions.
Kidd expressed excitement over Flag’s highlight dunk and his ability to handle defensive pressure, noting that the Lakers had double-teamed him early in the game. Despite his shooting woes, Kidd remains optimistic about Flag’s composure, playmaking skills, and readiness to take on the spotlight. The hype around Flag’s debut was evident in the record-breaking ticket prices for the game, with seats going as high as $2,500 courtside.
“When you have a player like Cooper who can shoot, pass, and make decisions, you want him with the ball,” Kidd said. He acknowledged some mistakes but highlighted Flag’s decision-making abilities showcased both in college and high school, which were visible even in this rough start.
Fan Take: This game was a crucial first step for Cooper Flag, reflecting the pressures of transitioning to the NBA. For basketball fans, watching young talent like Flag grow and adapt could signal the emergence of a new star who might shape the future of the sport.
