One of the most hyped rookie debuts in recent times turned into a reality check for Cooper Flagg. Thursday night at the Las Vegas Summer League, the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 1 overall pick faced the Los Angeles Lakers and Bronny James in a matchup so anticipated that courtside tickets were selling for $2,500.
What followed was a shooting performance that left Flagg calling it ‘one of the worst games of his life.’ The Dallas Mavericks won 87-85, but Flagg’s numbers told a different story. He shot 5-of-21 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts, finishing with just 10 points in 32 minutes.
What Did Cooper Flagg Say About His Shooting Struggles in His Professional Debut?
With Kyrie Irving sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season, Dallas is experimenting with Flagg at point guard. The “Point Flagg” experiment started immediately, with the rookie running the offense and defending multiple positions from the first quarter.
Despite his aggressive approach and flashes of potential, the shots simply wouldn’t fall.
COOPER FLAGG’S FIRST BUCKET IN A MAVS UNIFORM IS A BIG-TIME SLAM ‼️#NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/h7Ta564bS8
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2025
The Duke product didn’t sugarcoat his performance when talking to reporters afterward. His honesty about the struggles showed the maturity that made him the top pick.
“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life, but we got the win, so that’s what really matters to me,” Flagg told reporters after the game.
Cooper Flagg called his summer league debut “one of the worst games of my life,” but he’s glad the #Mavs escaped with the win. pic.twitter.com/gZ7A7jIr06
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) July 11, 2025
While the shooting numbers were underwhelming, Flagg showed why Dallas believes he can fill Irving’s role. He recorded six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, displaying the versatility that made him such a coveted prospect.
The 18-year-old acknowledged that adjusting to a new environment played a role in his struggles. The jump from college basketball to professional basketball, even at the Summer League level, presented challenges he hadn’t faced before.
“I couldn’t really get into a rhythm, it’s a different environment, obviously very different from college, it’s probably very different from what the real NBA is gonna be like,” Flagg said.
Even generational talents feel the nerves when stepping onto a new stage. Flagg admitted the pressure of the moment affected him, but he’s embracing the experience as part of his development.
“I was obviously a little nervous, it’s a new environment, a lot of new fans and whatnot,” Flagg added. “So I was a little nervous, a little excited, but just happy to be here. It’s a dream come true, so I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
Despite his shooting struggles, Flagg’s ball-handling and playmaking skills were evident throughout the contest. His ability to facilitate helped the Mavericks secure the victory, even though other players carried the scoring load. Undrafted free agents Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly led Dallas with 21 and 17 points, respectively.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. However, it remains unclear whether Flagg will play, as there’s speculation he might rest to avoid injury. With Dallas already missing Irving for the entire 2025-26 season, protecting their rookie investment makes sense, even in Summer League action.
Read More: Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Reveals Harsh Reality Check After Playing Against NBA Players
