2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg struggled in his Dallas Mavericks regular-season debut on Wednesday, getting overshadowed by San Antonio Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama’s two-way brilliance. However, Flagg’s veteran co-star Anthony Davis isn’t overly concerned about the 18-year-old, drawing parallels to his own early-career adjustment period.
Slotting in at starting point guard in Kyrie Irving’s (knee) absence, Flagg narrowly posted a double-double, overcoming a scoreless first half to finish with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal across 32 minutes. Still, the versatile 6-foot-9 prospect shot just 4-for-13 (30.8%), recording zero assists, three turnovers, and a minus-29 plus-minus as Dallas was routed 125-92 at home.
Flagg was outperformed by 2025 No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, who scored more points (15) in fewer minutes (23) off the bench for the Spurs. Meanwhile, Wembanyama dominated headlines with his electric 40-point, 15-rebound start to Year 3, shooting 15-for-21 (71.4%) as the Mavericks’ defenders appeared helpless trying to slow him down.
Anthony Davis Puts Cooper Flagg’s Shaky Debut Into Perspective
Speaking after Wednesday’s home letdown, Davis stressed how difficult it can be for young players like Flagg to acclimate to their first taste of high-intensity NBA action, especially when tasked with star expectations from Day 1. The 10-time All-Star then sympathized with Flagg, reflecting on his initiation process with the then-New Orleans Hornets after being selected No. 1 in the 2012 NBA Draft.
“It’s game one. I mean, look, he’s still a rookie,” Davis began. “I was the same way coming in. Preseason is obviously good, but when that game one comes around, packed stadium, national TV game — I’m not sure if he’s a social media guy or not, but everything was ‘No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, Wemby matchup,’ and all this stuff.
“So, you start hearing it, and I’m not sure if it got to him, but I mean, there’s first-game jitters when it’s time for the real thing. So, he’ll be fine.”
Notably, Flagg became the second-youngest player to start in his NBA debut (18 years and 305 days), trailing only LeBron James (18 years and 303 days). That gives him ample time to adjust to a primary ball-handling role at the NBA level and develop into the franchise-level player many Mavericks fans are anticipating.
Flagg should also benefit from not going up against the league’s most imposing interior defender during his second go-around. Wembanyama’s 7-foot-4 frame, speed, and shot-blocking instincts make it difficult for any players to get easy baskets around the rim, let alone rookies.
Dallas (0-1) continues its five-game homestand against the rebuilding Washington Wizards (0-1) on Friday, giving Flagg a prime opportunity to bounce back and assert himself.
