How Cooper Flagg Proved He’s More Than Just a Rookie in the Summer League
After dazzling with a dominant Summer League performance, Cooper Flagg wanted one more game—not for glory, but to prove his rise in Dallas is no fluke.
The Dallas Mavericks’ selection of Cooper Flagg at the top of the 2025 NBA Draft was about more than potential; it was about attitude and edge.
The 18-year-old forward’s Summer League journey in Las Vegas exemplified that ethos: Flagg began with a rocky 10-point, 5–21 shooting performance against the Lakers, but he rebounded with spectacular force, pouring in 31 points in Game 2 versus the Spurs.
In just two games, he logged nearly 63 minutes, flashed point-forward skills, and swung the narrative of his summer from question marks to exclamation points.
“I Just Don’t Want People to Think the Good Game Was a Fluke”
What happened next turned heads beyond the stat sheet. Despite the Mavericks’ plan to shut him down after two games, Flagg reportedly pleaded for one more chance to take the floor: “I just don’t want people to think the good game was a fluke,” he told Dallas coaches and executives, according to multiple accounts.
The Mavericks laughed, denying his request—they wanted to protect their No. 1 pick for the season ahead—but the message to teammates, staff, and fans was clear: Flagg’s drive is as real as his talent.
That mindset fits what those inside the Mavs’ organization have seen from Flagg since draft night: a relentless competitor whose work ethic outstrips even his much-hyped skill set. Stories from team personnel and national reporters echo the same theme—Flagg is always searching for ways to get better, always itching for the next challenge.
The Takeaway: Dallas Finds Its Centerpiece
Flagg’s request for a third Summer League game has become emblematic of the newest Maverick’s approach. He’s already proven he’ll take on responsibility (handling ball duties with star point guard Kyrie Irving sidelined), weather adversity (bouncing back from a poor debut), and push for more, even when the coaching staff is ready to pump the brakes.
In a league that often values flash over substance, Flagg’s insistence on earning his stripes the hard way is a statement to his teammates and a warning to the rest of the NBA.
The regular season will be his true proving ground, but after Las Vegas, there’s no doubt: Cooper Flagg’s ambition is as big as his game—and the Mavericks may have found their future superstar.
