Cooper Flagg's NBA 2K26 Summer League Debut: Promising Yet Challenging

LAS VEGAS — Cooper Flagg, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, faced a challenging start during his debut at the NBA 2K26 Summer League held on July 10, 2025. Despite struggling with his shooting—missing 16 of 21 shot attempts, including all five three-point attempts—Flagg showcased several elements of his game that suggest a bright future in professional basketball.

The 18-year-old Flagg's performance drew mixed reactions. Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, emphasized Flagg's maturity and approach to the game, stating, "He didn’t try to do too much and say hey, I’m the No. 1 pick and I’m going to show you why. He played basketball." Cuban pointed out Flagg's youth, noting, "He’s only 18. My daughter just graduated high school last month and he’s younger than her."

During the game, Flagg exhibited a strong rebounding ability, good court vision, and solid defensive skills that hinted at his potential as a versatile player. In the final moments of the match, he made a crucial block and assisted in securing the go-ahead basket for the Mavericks, who ultimately defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85. This performance is reminiscent of previous rookie challenges in the Summer League, where initial struggles in shooting do not necessarily predict future success. For instance, Victor Wembanyama, who shot poorly in his Summer League debut, went on to have a remarkable rookie season.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed his intention to utilize Flagg in multiple positions, including point guard, especially during the early part of the season while star player Kyrie Irving recovers from an Achilles injury. Flagg's height at 6-foot-9, combined with his ball-handling skills, gives him an advantage in this role, though Kidd acknowledged the challenges that come with it.

Flagg's debut brought him face-to-face with another notable player, Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James. The matchup drew significant attention and highlighted the competitive atmosphere of the Summer League. Despite some moments of struggle, Flagg remained focused on the team's success, stating, "I was trying to be aggressive. That might be one of the worst games of my life…but I’m going to be alright. Just glad we got the win. So that’s what really matters to me."

The Dallas Mavericks, who recently endured a tumultuous season marked by injuries and a public relations crisis following the trade of Luka Dončić, view Flagg as a pivotal figure for the franchise's future. Cuban remarked, "Whatever challenges we had, we now have hope. That changes everything. We just got to hold on until Kyrie gets back."

Flagg's potential to develop as a generational talent is underscored by the current composition of the Mavericks team, which features several established stars, allowing him to grow without the immense pressure typically placed on a No. 1 pick. Cuban noted, "You’ve got multiple Hall of Famers. That takes all the pressure off, too. Flagg doesn’t have to be the No. 1 player on the team, and that’s huge for him."

As the Summer League progresses, both Flagg and the Mavericks are hopeful for continued improvement and success, looking to build on this debut as they prepare for a challenging upcoming season. The initial performance may not define Flagg’s career, but it certainly sets the stage for a journey filled with growth and opportunity in the NBA.