Jason Kidd Makes Big Statement on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Summer League Debut vs. Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:50 PM ET

There was little doubt heading into Wednesday's first round of the 2025 NBA Draft about who the Dallas Mavericks would select with the No. 1 overall pick. All signs pointed to Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg—and that’s exactly who they chose.

Flagg now joins a Mavericks roster loaded with proven NBA veterans, including Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, on a team built to win immediately under head coach Jason Kidd—someone Flagg spoke highly of.

“He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game,” Flagg said. “So I’m excited to just talk to him more.”

The Newport, Maine native is set to make his Summer League debut in Las Vegas on July 10, when the Mavericks take on Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Ahead of that highly anticipated matchup, Kidd shared a bold statement about what he’s most excited to see Flagg do in his debut against L.A.

“I want to put him at point guard," Kidd said. "I’m excited to give him the ball against the Lakers and see what happens."

The early expectation is Flagg would play in Dallas’ first two summer league games: July 10 against the Lakers before San Antonio.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd: “I want to put him at point guard. … I’m excited to give him the ball against the Lakers and see what happens.” https://t.co/823jIm3JWB
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 27, 2025

The Mavericks’ second game in Las Vegas was announced on Friday, setting up a likely showdown between No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs. Harper, a standout freshman from Rutgers, is expected to be one of Flagg’s top early career rivals.

One of the key storylines to watch will be how the Mavericks choose to manage Flagg's playing time throughout the Summer League—whether they allow him to play the full schedule or take a more cautious approach to preserve his health.

As a freshman at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading the Blue Devils to 35 wins and a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: