Is the Mavericks' decision to bench Cooper Flagg a risky move for their future?
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 14, 2025, 20:07 IST
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
The Dallas Mavericks have sidelined their No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, for the remainder of the NBA Summer League after just two appearances. Flagg showcased his potential with a 31-point performance against the Spurs, but the Mavericks are prioritizing his long-term development and risk management. The team aims to gradually integrate him into NBA-level competition alongside Luka Dončić.
The Dallas Mavericks have elected to bench No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the NBA Summer League, according to multiple reports, including ESPN. The decision comes after just two appearances by the 18-year-old forward, who showed flashes of elite potential in limited action.
Flagg’s final Summer League game came Saturday night in Las Vegas, where he delivered an impressive 31-point performance on 10-of-21 shooting, despite the Mavericks falling to the San Antonio Spurs. The game also featured a showdown with No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, who led the Spurs to victory.
In his Summer League debut Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg struggled with efficiency, scoring 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. Despite the slow start, team officials were reportedly pleased with his defensive instincts, rebounding, and overall court presence.
While no injury has been reported, sources close to the team confirmed that Flagg will not participate in Monday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets or any further Summer League contests. The Mavericks are believed to be prioritizing long-term development and risk management for their top pick.
“This is about protecting his trajectory,” a team official told The Athletic on condition of anonymity. “He’s had a great showing, and there’s no need to overextend him before training camp.”
Flagg enters the league with significant expectations after a stellar freshman season at Duke University. The 6-foot-9 forward earned National College Player of the Year honors and led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance before falling to Houston in the NCAA semifinals.
His brief but notable Summer League performance drew praise from analysts and scouts alike.
“Flagg looked like the most versatile two-way player on the floor,” ESPN’s draft analyst Jonathan Givony said. “He’s still developing physically, but his anticipation and ability to create his own shot are already ahead of schedule.”
The Mavericks are expected to pair Flagg alongside All-Star Luka Dončić and center Dereck Lively II as part of a new core aimed at keeping Dallas competitive in the Western Conference. Head coach Jason Kidd has yet to publicly comment on the Summer League decision, but the organization’s approach appears focused on gradually integrating Flagg into NBA-level competition.
Dallas concludes its Summer League schedule later this week. Training camp for the 2025–26 NBA season begins in late September.
Flagg’s final Summer League game came Saturday night in Las Vegas, where he delivered an impressive 31-point performance on 10-of-21 shooting, despite the Mavericks falling to the San Antonio Spurs. The game also featured a showdown with No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, who led the Spurs to victory.
In his Summer League debut Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg struggled with efficiency, scoring 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. Despite the slow start, team officials were reportedly pleased with his defensive instincts, rebounding, and overall court presence.
While no injury has been reported, sources close to the team confirmed that Flagg will not participate in Monday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets or any further Summer League contests. The Mavericks are believed to be prioritizing long-term development and risk management for their top pick.
“This is about protecting his trajectory,” a team official told The Athletic on condition of anonymity. “He’s had a great showing, and there’s no need to overextend him before training camp.”
Flagg enters the league with significant expectations after a stellar freshman season at Duke University. The 6-foot-9 forward earned National College Player of the Year honors and led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance before falling to Houston in the NCAA semifinals.
His brief but notable Summer League performance drew praise from analysts and scouts alike.
“Flagg looked like the most versatile two-way player on the floor,” ESPN’s draft analyst Jonathan Givony said. “He’s still developing physically, but his anticipation and ability to create his own shot are already ahead of schedule.”
The Mavericks are expected to pair Flagg alongside All-Star Luka Dončić and center Dereck Lively II as part of a new core aimed at keeping Dallas competitive in the Western Conference. Head coach Jason Kidd has yet to publicly comment on the Summer League decision, but the organization’s approach appears focused on gradually integrating Flagg into NBA-level competition.
Dallas concludes its Summer League schedule later this week. Training camp for the 2025–26 NBA season begins in late September.