The decision, confirmed by several sources, comes after Cooper Flagg—the top overall pick in this year’s draft—put on a show with a dominant 31-point outing against the San Antonio Spurs, just a day after making his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg’s first appearance against the Lakers was a mixed bag. While he struggled with efficiency, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, he still managed to make his presence felt by contributing rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.

The following night, however, Flagg erupted in spectacular fashion. Facing the Spurs, he poured in 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting and drew 13 free throw attempts, demonstrating his ability to score at will, handle the ball under pressure, and aggressively attack the rim.

Over his two games in Las Vegas, Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talked-about prospects of the summer.

Why the Mavericks Made the Call

The Mavericks’ decision to rest Flagg is in line with a growing trend across the NBA, where teams are increasingly cautious with their top draft picks during Summer League. The franchise believes they have seen enough from Flagg’s early development to be confident in his readiness, and they are eager to avoid any unnecessary risk of injury or fatigue before preseason and training camp.

This strategy echoes the approach taken by other teams in recent years, such as the San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama, who was also pulled from Summer League action after just two games in 2023.

What’s Next for Flagg and the Mavericks

There are no concerns about Flagg’s health, as the decision to shut him down is purely precautionary and not related to any injury. The focus now shifts to preseason, where Flagg will rejoin the Mavericks’ main roster and continue his adjustment to NBA competition. Expectations are high that he will play a significant role in Dallas’s rotation when the regular season tips off.

With his Summer League stint already generating considerable excitement among Mavericks fans, the anticipation for Flagg’s official NBA debut in the fall is only growing.

The Mavericks’ approach underscores their belief in Flagg’s potential as a cornerstone for the franchise, and their careful management of his early career signals a long-term investment in his development.

For now, attention turns to training camp, where Flagg will look to build on the promise he has already shown in Las Vegas.