NBA Notes: Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Kings, Nique Clifford, Heat

The Mavericks made no secret of their intent with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. They wanted the ball in his hands as much as possible to test how he’d respond to pressure as the primary offensive initiator. Mission accomplished.

The 18-year-old forward attempted at least 20 shots in each of his first two Summer League appearances, something he did only twice during his lone season at Duke.

“I’m exhausted,” Flagg said after scoring 31 points in Saturday’s loss to the Spurs. “I’m not used to bringing the ball up like that. Every time I got the ball full court, I had somebody on my hip playing 94 feet. Definitely not used to that, but I think I did a solid job of bringing it up against pressure and trying to set up our different actions.”

While Flagg shot just 5-of-21 in the opener, the Mavericks were encouraged by what they saw. He made strong reads, found open teammates, and handled defensive pressure with composure. He recorded only five assists over two games but committed just three turnovers and looked more comfortable as the minutes wore on.

Two late third-quarter plays against San Antonio stood out. Flagg broke Carter Bryant’s full-court pressure for an and-one finish, then followed it with a driving dunk out of a half-court set.

“Incredible for a kid who we’re saying, ‘We’re going to give you the basketball, and they’re going to pick you up full court,’” said Mavericks Summer League coach Josh Broghamer. “Everyone has 10 fouls, so there’s no penalty for grabbing and holding. The refs can’t call everything, so it’s even more exhausting and tougher on him than a regular game.”

On the bright side for Flagg, he’s now getting a rest — as Dallas is shutting him down for the remainder of their run in Vegas.

Clifford Looks the Part for Kings

There’s plenty to like so far from Nique Clifford, and the Kings seem to have found a player who fits their vision. Touted before the draft as a versatile, high-IQ wing who could help on both ends, Clifford delivered in his early Summer League showings.

Over the first two games, the 23-year-old totaled 36 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists in 54 minutes while helping lead Sacramento to a pair of wins.

Clifford has been productive on and off the ball. He’s attacked downhill in pick-and-roll sets, made plays in transition, knocked down shots from the perimeter, and guarded multiple positions. He’s also done the little things, including chasing rebounds out of his area, fighting over screens, and making smart passes.

As the first draft pick of the new Kings front office, led by Scott Perry and B.J. Armstrong, Clifford figures to get a real chance to compete for early rotation minutes. If the Kings find a way to clear up their wing depth, there could be a role for him right away. So far, his play suggests he’s ready.

Heat’s Jakucionis Answers the Call in Vegas

Kasparas Jakucionis had a rough start at the California Classic, where he shot 1-for-15 and turned the ball over 12 times in three games. But in Las Vegas, he’s looked like a different player.

The 6-foot-6 rookie guard scored 24 points on 12 shots in his first Vegas appearance, going 5-of-9 from deep in 28 minutes. He played with better control, confidence, and purpose.

Jakucionis also showed a strong feel for the game. He operated well in the pick-and-roll, found open bigs and shooters, and scored around the rim using his strength and footwork. Along with that, he knocked down a mix of shots, including catch-and-shoot threes, a pull-up in transition, and a step-back in isolation.

His size and quick release allow him to get shots off over contests, and his ability to move without the ball gives Miami lineup flexibility. If he can hold his own defensively against NBA athletes, there’s a path for him to make an early impact.

Jakucionis still has to prove consistency, but his bounce-back in Vegas has been an encouraging step.