The Dallas Mavericks made a predictable decision to shut down Cooper Flagg after his second NBA Las Vegas Summer League game earlier this month. With two strong performances, management confirmed Flagg’s readiness to be a significant contributor to the team. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors recently criticized the double standards regarding workload and rest between NBA veterans and rookies, noting that first-year players, like Flagg, are often rested during summer leagues despite criticism of "load management." Although Green didn’t name Flagg directly, he clearly referred to the number one overall pick, who scored 31 points in his second summer league game.
The NBA has been studying load management practices in recent years to address fan complaints about star players resting. A comprehensive 57-page report released in January 2024 found no clear link between resting players and increased injuries. Flagg’s 21-point outburst in Summer League was the most impressive since John Wall’s in 2010. According to his development coach Matt McKenzie, Flagg will return to Dallas for training before heading to Maine in August for further preparation for the rookie transition program and training camp.
Flagg admitted feeling "exhausted" after shouldering much of the Mavericks’ offensive responsibility during his back-to-back starts, but this was part of coach Jason Kidd’s plan. Kidd wanted to challenge Flagg, especially since Kyrie Irving would miss much of the regular season with a knee injury. Green acknowledged that Flagg is lucky to be joining a team with established stars like Irving and Anthony Davis, and he emphasized that the rookie is not expected to be a franchise savior overnight. "You don’t have to average 25 points on bad teams and 20 points on bad teams," Green remarked, reflecting on the pressure top picks often face.
Fan Take: This news highlights an evolving approach to managing young talent in the NBA, balancing player development and health. Cooper Flagg’s careful handling could set a precedent for how teams nurture rookies without rushing them, potentially leading to longer, more successful careers and a healthier league overall.
