The Dallas Mavericks are taking no chances with their prized rookie. After just two Summer League games, the team has officially shut down Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the tournament, per NBA insider Marc Stein. The decision came immediately after Flagg’s explosive 31-point outing against the San Antonio Spurs, where he showcased exactly why he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In that game, Flagg looked every bit the future franchise cornerstone the Mavericks envisioned. He dropped 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, knocked down three triples, and flashed his all-around game with a blend of passing, pick-and-roll creation, and elite athleticism.
The performance was a major step up from his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled with efficiency but still showed flashes of brilliance. Against San Antonio, he found his rhythm and played with more control, drawing praise from scouts and fans alike.
The Mavericks clearly saw what they needed to. Shutting him down was less about performance and more about preservation. After all, Flagg is transitioning from the college game to a grueling 82-game NBA season and the Mavs want to keep him fresh.
There were even moments of concern during Saturday’s game when Flagg was seen flexing his wrist after a hard fall, but there’s no indication of any serious injury. More than anything, the decision was about playing it safe with the future face of the franchise.
And with Kyrie Irving still recovering from an ACL injury, Flagg had to shoulder even more ball-handling duties than expected.
That early exposure will serve him well. He’s getting a crash course in NBA pace, defensive pressure, and leadership, all valuable experience heading into training camp. But now, the Mavs are pressing pause. They’ve seen enough to know he’s the real deal, and they’re not about to risk his health in games that ultimately don’t count.
With Flagg sidelined, more responsibility will fall on other Summer League contributors like Ryan Nembhard, Miles Kelly, and Matthew Cleveland. But none of them draw attention like Flagg.
The buzz he generated in Las Vegas was real. From highlight-reel dunks to confident pull-up jumpers, Flagg’s game translated instantly at the next level.
And now, the wait begins. Fans won’t see him again until preseason, where expectations will be sky-high. But if the Summer League was any indication, Cooper Flagg is ready for the spotlight, and the Mavericks are ready to protect their investment at all costs.
The message is clear: Dallas believes they’ve got something special. And they’re not letting anything jeopardize it before the real show begins.
