Summer League Debut: A New Star Emerges
Cooper Flagg has broken into the NBA and at the July 10, 2025 Summer League debut against the Los Angeles Lakers his professional career which is to come to great things began. The 18 year old talent from Newport, Maine took the Dallas Mavericks to a dramatic 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Lakers which also happened to be the most expensive Summer League ticket in history.
Despite having issues with his shooting performance, Cooper Flagg put forth what made him a choice for the top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft. The former Duke player put up 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in the 32 minute stint which showed that he still has that all around game which may not always rely on his shooting.
Cooper Flagg Summer League Stats: A Detailed Look
Cooper Flagg had a great first go at it which saw him tell the tale of a green player’s growth into a pro while still putting up winning numbers. Although he only put away 5 of 21 shots from the field and 0 of 5 from beyond the arc, Flagg did much else. Defense was his immediate impact, recorded 3 takes and a key block which helped ice the win for the Mavericks.
I feel that with a player like Cooper who can do it all—shoot, pass—you want the ball at his disposal.
Cooper Flagg vs Bronny James: The Finale Showdown
The much hyped battle of Cooper Flagg and Bronny James did not see either play at what was expected out of them but did provide some good action. Bronny got the scoring going for the Lakers with a step back jump shot over Flagg which was a huge for them at 5-0 early. But in response Flagg which was the pregame question mark put the clamps on with a great dunk of his own for his first points in the NBA which had the crowd at the Thomas Mack Center going wild.
He is a large and powerful presence. We have to do what we can to contain and reduce his impact.
Social Media Goes Wild For Cooper Flagg’s Debut
Cooper Flagg played the majority of the first half for either team — he loves the game of hoop. Didn’t do great at shooting but you saw the 18 year old’s flashes of great play.
Cooper Flagg is what you see in the report he’s strong, athletic, very confident, unselfish and has a MOTOR! We had fun watching him tonight. Even the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes had a tweet for Flagg which just said “Cooop!” after Flagg’s great first NBA basket.
Cooper Flagg’s College Dominance at Duke
To see the buzz around Cooper Flagg one needs to look at his great first year at Duke. The ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year put up 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game which also included 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. His best performance was against Notre Dame in which he set a Duke and ACC freshman record with 42 points.
Cooper Flagg took the Blue Devils to a 35-2 record and a Final Four appearance which also saw him collect many awards which included Naismith Player of the Year, Wooden Award, and AP Player of the Year. Also he became the fourth freshman in NCAA history to win the Wooden Award which he shared with Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.
The Maine Connection: Home Town Story of a Lifetime
Cooper Flagg’s journey from Newport, Maine, to the NBA is a story of the unusual. In a town of just over 3000 residents which came out in support of their home town hero we see that. Also the Governor of Maine Janet Mills declared June 25 as Cooper Flagg Day. Also very much a product of New England, he grew up a life long fan of the Boston Celtics and looks up to Larry Bird and Jayson Tatum.
Basketball is a huge part of our culture. I love it. My husband does also. It’s always on in our home. We are huge fans of the Celtics.
Dallas Mavericks’ Future with Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks hit it big in the NBA Draft Lottery which they had a 1.8% chance of winning the No. 1 pick. Cooper Flagg joins a talent filled team which includes Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and eventually Kyrie Irving who is out with a torn ACL. The Mavs are in position to compete right away which puts Flagg in a prime spot to jump into a winner’s role from day one.
Coach Jason Kidd has reported that we will see Flagg at the point guard position from time to which he excels in handle the ball and dishes out plays. What made Flagg stand out at Duke is the same versatility the team plans to count on as they look to put Flagg forward and also improve his game.
Cooper Flagg’s NBA Rookie Season Expectations
Cooper Flagg is the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year in the NBA which is priced in at -185 at most sports books. What we see in him is a rare mix of size, athletic ability and basketball intelligence which makes him a special talent that will contribute right away on both offense and defense. Also it is what the fantasy basketball experts are saying which project him to put up 16 to 17 points, 6 to 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game in his first pro season.
It didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t play my best game. This self awareness and drive for improvement is a good sign for his professional growth.
Cooper Flagg’s Impact on Summer League
Cooper Flagg had a very special first Summer League performance which saw box offices react in unprecedented way, we saw ticket prices set records at $223 average and over $3,000 for courtside. Also on TV and social media the game was a hit which is proof that Flagg is already a large draw for NBA fans.
In the 2015 summer league action which saw the Lakers take on the Mavericks that is when Cooper Flagg made his pro debut. Although he struggled at the shoot around the basket his defense, rebounding and play making skills put forward that he is a once in a generation talent.
Looking Ahead: Cooper Flagg’s Great Success
As the summer rolls in and Cooper Flagg is in the middle of the Mavericks’ Summer League action it is to be seen how he develops and adapts to pro play. In his first game against the Lakers which served as a rite of passage, we saw flashes of the great player that he is to become. What also is very apparent is the fact that which put together with his work rate and court sense put him to a path that not only will see him meet great expectations but possibly break them.
The Cooper Flagg story in Dallas is just beginning, at least from what we saw in his Summer League debut which is very exciting. From the town of Newport, Maine to the global stage of the NBA, Cooper has proved that with hard work and talent dreams do come true. His transition from college basketball which was the biggest stage we had seen him on to the NBA which is putting forth the most promising rookies we have seen in a while is the real deal—it is hope, inspiration, and the promise of great things.
