Why Did the Dallas Mavericks Shut Down Cooper Flagg?

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly shut down Cooper Flagg for the rest of the NBA Summer League on Sunday. Flagg, 18, ended his Summer League experience with a 31-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Here’s why the Mavericks shut down the No. 1 overall pick.

Why the Dallas Mavericks Shut Down Cooper Flagg

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Cooper Flagg’s Summer League days are over. Flagg will return to action during the preseason. Flagg played just two games with the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League team and ended it on a high note with 31 points on 47% from the field in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Flagg’s comeback followed a mixed bag performance in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Flagg struggled to score with efficiency in Thursday’s win, going 5-of-21 from the floor for 10 points. Perhaps Flagg’s debut was negatively impacted by pressure from facing Bronny James.

Flagg Shines Amid Mavericks’ Loss

Cooper Flagg shone amid the Dallas Mavericks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Flagg led the Mavericks with 31 points and shot 50% from the field, including 3-of-8 from the 3-point line. The former Duke star appeared to come at fellow NBA rookie Dylan Harper during the matchup.

Harper, a former Rutgers star, recalled, “I was just trying to touch the paint, honestly, and then whatever option I had, that was my best option. I was going to go take and get a little floater. That’s all.”

Final Thoughts

Cooper Flagg’s playing time in Las Vegas was short-lived. However, Flagg remains a future generational talent for the Dallas Mavericks. It’s important to note that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama didn’t dominate during his Summer League debut in 2023, but eventually became an NBA All-Star and one of the best defensive players in the NBA.