Cooper Flagg continues to put on a show during the NBA Summer League, as the No.1 pick in the 2025 Draft exhibit skills that could make him one of the superstars of the league for years to come.
The former Duke Blue Devils star is the Dallas Mavericks project that has fans excited about the possibilities their team have of making the NBA Finals once again, after falling to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 championship series.
“It’s tantalizing to dream about him (Flagg) next to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II (or Daniel Gafford) on a super-sized front line. He can operate as a point forward, work through the inevitable rookie mistakes and know that he has a couple of allies that can help him through anything. And when Kyrie Irving comes back sometime in 2026? The imagination runs wild,” NBA analyst Eddie Sefko wrote about the exciting rookie.
Cooper Flagg makes Bronny James look bad
Cooper Flagg‘s Summer League debut with the Mavericks wasn’t just another rookie performance. The highly anticipated first overall pick delivered an impressive midrange turnaround shot right over young Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James that had fans buzzing.
The oldest son of LeBron James, who’s, still trying to find his rhythm with the Purple and Gold, looked out of step during the moment. Flagg’s move wasn’t flashy, but it was calculated and effective. The contrast between the two highlighted just how far ahead Cooper already looks.
Online reactions exploded with praise for Flagg, calling him smooth, confident, and NBA-ready. While Bronny continues to navigate his role as a backup, Cooper’s calm dominance sent a clear message. The next generation is not just here, it’s already taking over.
Another young guard shines with Dallas
There’s no doubt that Cooper Flagg was the main star of the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League. However, there’s another rookie that made quite an impression with the team and fans alike: undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard, who was signed to a two-way contract before the Mavs had a single organized practice.
The former Gonzaga Bulldogs standoug was one of the first calls the Dallas front office made, as was Miles Kelly. Nembhard’s showing why in Las Vegas. He hit the game-winning three-pointer in the opening 87-85 victory over the Lakers and while his stats fell off in the second game, there was a reason.
Nembhard has proven he can be lethal with his midrange game. If he can develop a consistent three-point shot, the Mavericks will have a hard time keeping him out of the rotation, especially until Kyrie Irving returns from a torn ACL in his left knee.
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