For months, Cooper Flagg’s selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been a sure thing. His talent is so undeniable that no matter who held the top spot, his name would have been called and Dallas ended up being his destination. At 18 years old, he’s the second-youngest No. 1 pick ever, just a week older than LeBron James was in 2003. He’s already making history as the sixth Duke player to be selected first overall, which is more than any other school has had, with three in the last six years alone.
Flagg’s time at Duke was nothing short of legendary. In his one season with the Blue Devils, he dominated the stat sheet: He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He led Duke in every major category, earning national player of the year honors as a freshman-only the fourth to do so. The Blue Devils posted a nation-best 35-4 record, though fans still wince at their gut-wrenching, last-second loss in the March Madness semifinals. Now, Flagg has his sights set on the pros, and his Summer League debut is the first chance to see what he will bring to Dallas.
Flagg vs. Bronny: A Clash of Journeys
Picture this: It’s July 10 in Las Vegas, and the air is thick with anticipation as Cooper Flagg steps onto the court in a Dallas Mavericks uniform for the first time to play against the Los Angeles Lakers. This showdown kicks off a doubleheader in Vegas, with Flagg facing off against the Lakers’ Bronny James, whose name has been buzzing since last year’s draft when he was selected 55th overall.
While Flagg is riding high as the crown jewel of the 2025 draft, Bronny’s path has been more of a slow burn. He spent most of his rookie year with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds across 11 games. In the NBA, however, he saw limited playing time-appearing in just 27 games and averaging 2.3 points and less than one assist in 6.7 minutes per game. Still, as LeBron’s son and part of the league’s first father-son duo, Bronny carries a spotlight all his own.
Make no mistake, though-their careers and paths ahead are, and will likely stay, miles apart. Flagg has sky-high potential, built on what he showed at Duke and cemented by his first-overall draft pick. For now, Bronny is a G-League talent with the makings of an NBA role player. Either way, it’s thrilling to watch Flagg’s debut collide with last year’s most talked-about draft pick. The NBA knew what it was doing by scheduling this game to open the Vegas season-it’s a preview of what’s to come for these two young players.
Mavericks Reloaded: Flagg Sparks New Hope
For Dallas, Flagg’s arrival is a lifeline after a rough patch. Although the midseason trade that sent Luka Doncic away still stings, snagging Flagg as the top pick might just turn things around. The Mavericks aren’t struggling with a bare roster, either. Kyrie Irving is locked in with a three-year extension and will be back from his last season-ending injury before the All-Star Gam and Anthony Davis is also set to return and play from the start of the season. The team has a deep supporting cast, including Derek Lively, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Max Christie, and Daniel Gafford.
That’s a lineup with punch, and Flagg’s dynamic game could be the jolt they need. He’s a do-it-all player who can score, defend, and pass. In a stacked Western Conference, this retooled Mavericks squad suddenly looks ready to compete with the best. Flagg’s Summer League debut isn’t just a first look; it’s a promise of a new era. It gives Mavs fans a fresh star to cheer for and a shot at something big.
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