LAS VEGAS — Cooper Flagg didn’t shoot well in his NBA 2K26 Summer League debut. He made only 5 of his 21 shots, missed all five of his three-point tries, and even airballed his first and last attempts. Still, most people who watched him play believe one thing: Cooper Flagg is going to be a big deal.
Mark Cuban, former Mavericks owner and still a huge fan, said, “He didn’t try to do too much or prove he’s the No. 1 pick. He just played smart basketball.”
Cuban also pointed out, “He’s only 18. My daughter just finished high school, and he’s younger than her.”
That was the mood at the Thomas & Mack Arena on Thursday. Sure, Flagg missed a lot of shots, but everything else about his game looked solid. He showed great rebounding, good court sense, control, and strong defense. Late in the game, he blocked a shot and assisted on the game-winning basket in Dallas’ 87-85 win over the Lakers.
It’s important to remember that many top rookies have struggled in their first Summer League games. For example, Victor Wembanyama shot 2-for-13 in his debut just two years ago. Look how well he’s doing now.
Summer League games can be misleading. Players often look better or worse than they really are. That’s why these games should be taken lightly and viewed as part of a bigger picture. One rough game doesn’t define a player’s future.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd plans to use Cooper Flagg as a point guard at times next season, especially while Kyrie Irving recovers from his Achilles injury. At 6-foot-9, Flagg has some big advantages like his height and strong ball-handling. During the game against the Lakers, one moment stood out. Flagg was backing down Bronny James — LeBron’s son and one of the most popular young players — when Bronny poked the ball away and stole it.
The referee blew the whistle, and Bronny looked surprised, while some fans booed, thinking it wasn’t a foul.
Bronny James is using this Summer League to prove his skills on defense and try to earn more minutes next season. But his shooting still needs work — he made only 2 of his 8 shots and missed a step-back three-pointer that could’ve won the game.
As for Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick admitted, “I was trying to be aggressive. That might’ve been one of the worst games I’ve ever played … but I’ll be fine. I’m just happy we got the win — that’s what matters most to me.”
Flagg usually doesn’t have games like this — not in high school, not at Duke, and not even with Team USA last year.
Josh Broghamer, who is coaching the Mavericks in Summer League, said, “The other team was double-teaming him the full length of the court, but he still made smart decisions again and again. Right now, we’re just focused on the next game.”
That kind of mindset — learning and moving forward — is important for a young player like Flagg and a team that’s looking ahead to a big season.
When the Mavericks won the Draft Lottery and got the No. 1 pick, it felt like a lucky break and a much-needed fresh start. The team had been struggling after trading Luka Dončić, dealing with Anthony Davis getting injured in his first game, Kyrie Irving tearing his Achilles, and missing the playoffs — all just a year after Dončić had led them to the 2024 NBA Finals.
After getting the top pick, Mark Cuban said, “We’ve been through a lot, but now there’s hope. That changes everything. We just need to stay strong until Kyrie returns.”
Now, Cooper Flagg is expected to perform like a future superstar. But unlike most No. 1 picks, he isn’t joining a rebuilding team. This situation is more like when Tim Duncan joined a strong Spurs team in 1997 with David Robinson, rather than Victor Wembanyama joining the struggling Spurs in 2023.
Next season, the Mavericks will have several big-name players. “There are Hall of Famers on this team,” said Cuban. “There’s Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis. That helps take the pressure off Flagg.”
“When Wemby came into the league, everything was focused on him,” Cuban added. “But Flagg doesn’t need to be the top guy right away. That gives him time to improve his game. And remember, he’s only 18.” Flagg had a tough first game, shooting just 5-for-21, but he has plenty of time to improve. One rough shooting night won’t define his Summer League — or his rookie season.
FAQ
Who is Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg is a young basketball player who recently made his debut in the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
How did Cooper Flagg perform in his debut?
Although Flagg struggled with his shooting accuracy, he still showed strong overall skills and potential during the game.
What aspects of his game impressed observers?
Flagg’s defense, passing, and energy on the court stood out, earning praise despite his shooting challenges.
Why is the Summer League important for players like Flagg?
The Summer League gives young players a chance to showcase their talent and gain experience against other rising stars.