The Mavericks got their first glimpse at what Cooper Flagg brings to the table at the NBA Summer League.
The NBA Summer League is often viewed as an introductory stage for rookies and aspiring pros, where young talent gets a chance to showcase their skills, make their case for a spot on an NBA roster, and prove they belong in the league. But for a player like Cooper Flagg, the Summer League was more than just a stepping stone—it was an opportunity to demonstrate his immense potential and give NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, a firsthand look at what he could bring to the table.
Flagg, who had already established himself as one of the top high school prospects in the country, had the eyes of not only fans but also NBA front offices locked on him. His blend of size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility had made him a standout player throughout his high school career, and all signs pointed to him being a future star in the league. But what would he look like against professional competition, even if that competition was in the early stages of their careers? The Mavericks, like many teams, were eager to find out.
Before even stepping on the court at the NBA Summer League, Cooper Flagg was already a name that generated plenty of buzz. A 6’8″ forward with an almost unprecedented combination of defensive prowess and offensive versatility, Flagg had garnered national attention for his exceptional skills on both ends of the floor. His shot-blocking ability and relentless energy made him one of the most formidable defenders in the high school ranks, while his fluid offensive game, including an ability to hit mid-range shots, stretch the floor with three-pointers, and attack the basket with authority, showcased his all-around talent.
Flagg was often compared to some of the most elite forward prospects to come through the pipeline in recent years, and it wasn’t hard to see why. With a wingspan that allowed him to guard multiple positions, the ability to read the game with a basketball IQ well beyond his years, and a work ethic that was second to none, Flagg seemed destined for success at the next level.
That was the context in which the Dallas Mavericks entered the 2023 NBA Summer League. The team was coming off a season in which they failed to make the playoffs, despite having one of the most electrifying players in the league in Luka Dončić. The Mavericks needed to bolster their roster with young, talented players who could contribute on both ends of the floor. Flagg’s name came up often as a player who could fit into their long-term plans, and the Summer League would be the first chance to see him play in an NBA setting.
The first time Cooper Flagg took the floor at the Summer League, it was clear that he was different from many of the other prospects. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was evident that his game was polished—he wasn’t just another talented young player hoping to make a name for himself; Flagg was here to prove that he was ready to take the next step toward his NBA dreams.
One of the most notable aspects of Flagg’s Summer League debut was his defense. Right away, it became clear that his shot-blocking ability was no fluke. In his first game, Flagg recorded multiple blocks and altered several other shots, showing his ability to contest at the rim against players much older and more experienced. His anticipation and quickness allowed him to disrupt passing lanes, snare steals, and quickly turn defense into offense. There were moments when he seemed to be everywhere on the court, his long arms creating havoc for opposing players attempting to get to the basket.
On offense, Flagg wasn’t shy. Despite his reputation as a defensive specialist, he showcased a highly versatile offensive game. He flashed an ability to attack the rim with ferocity, using his length and athleticism to finish in traffic. His ball-handling was surprisingly fluid for a player of his size, allowing him to create space off the dribble and take defenders one-on-one. He also knocked down a few mid-range jumpers, demonstrating that his shot was developing into a reliable weapon, something that had been a question mark heading into the Summer League.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of Flagg’s debut was his poise. Despite the pressure of being one of the most highly touted prospects in the Summer League, he played with a level of maturity that belied his age. Whether it was making an extra pass to find an open teammate or sticking with a tough defensive assignment, Flagg played within himself and didn’t force the issue. His awareness of when to take over and when to let the game come to him was a testament to his basketball IQ and understanding of the game.
As the Summer League progressed, Flagg continued to show flashes of the brilliance that had made him a coveted prospect. However, it was also clear that the transition to the NBA game wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest adjustments for Flagg—and for any young player coming into the league—is adapting to the speed and intensity of professional basketball. While he had dominated in high school, the Summer League presented a new level of competition, with players who were bigger, faster, and stronger than he had faced before.
Flagg’s first few games weren’t without their growing pains. At times, he struggled to adjust to the increased physicality, particularly when it came to finishing at the rim in traffic. There were moments when he hesitated or seemed a step behind, as he worked to get used to the more intense defensive pressure. His three-point shooting, which had been a point of emphasis leading into the Summer League, also needed some fine-tuning. Though he hit some timely shots, there were stretches where his outside shot seemed a bit inconsistent, a reminder that, like many young players, his game was still a work in progress.
Despite these challenges, what stood out was Flagg’s resilience. He never appeared rattled by a missed shot or a tough defensive possession. He would quickly get back on track, using his defensive abilities to erase mistakes and help keep his team in the game. His mental toughness was a defining characteristic, and it was clear that he had the maturity to handle the ups and downs that came with playing at such a high level.
For the Dallas Mavericks, the Summer League provided an important opportunity to see firsthand what Cooper Flagg could bring to the team. With the team’s long-term future still being shaped around Luka Dončić, there was a clear need for versatile players who could complement his game, both offensively and defensively. Flagg, with his size, skill, and two-way potential, seemed like an ideal fit.
One of the things that stood out to the Mavericks’ coaching staff was Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions. In a league that increasingly values positionless basketball, Flagg’s versatility on defense was something that couldn’t be overlooked. He was capable of switching onto smaller guards or locking down larger forwards, which would make him an invaluable asset in the Mavericks’ defensive schemes. This ability to guard anyone from the point guard to the center made him an intriguing prospect for a team that was looking for long-term pieces to pair with Dončić.
Offensively, Flagg’s growth was evident. While his outside shot wasn’t yet elite, he demonstrated enough shooting range to keep defenders honest. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact was encouraging, and his basketball IQ allowed him to read the defense and make smart decisions. The potential for him to develop into a reliable two-way player who could space the floor and score efficiently in various ways was something that had to excite the Mavericks’ front office.
There were areas where Flagg would need time to adjust, of course. His ball-handling and decision-making were still works in progress, and he would need to improve his overall consistency to be effective at the NBA level. But the raw tools were evident. What Flagg had shown the Mavericks was that he wasn’t just a player who could contribute in one area—he could impact the game in multiple ways. His defensive tenacity, combined with his potential to develop as a scorer, made him a player worth keeping a close eye on.
Although the Mavericks did not immediately pull the trigger on drafting Flagg or making him a central piece of their future plans after the Summer League, what they saw in him was undeniable. Flagg wasn’t just a product of his high school hype—he was a player who had the tools to be effective in the NBA, even if it would take some time for him to fully adjust to the rigors of professional basketball. His Summer League performance was a strong first step, but it was just the beginning of what could be a very promising NBA career.
The Mavericks, who have been laser-focused on building a contender around Luka Dončić, could see the long-term value in adding a player like Flagg to their roster. His defensive potential, combined with his offensive upside, made him an intriguing prospect, someone who could develop into the type of versatile two-way player that teams covet. In a few years, Flagg could be a cornerstone piece of the Mavericks’ future, potentially serving as a complement to Dončić’s brilliance.
The Summer League was a glimpse into what Cooper Flagg could bring to the table—not just for the Mavericks, but for the NBA as a whole. As he continues to develop his game and adjust to the NBA’s pace and competition, Flagg is likely to become one of the most exciting players to watch. His combination of defensive ferocity, offensive versatility, and high basketball IQ made his Summer League stint an eye-opening experience, one that laid the foundation for what could be a very successful career.
