Cooper Flagg’s NBA Debut: The Good, The Bad, and The Growing Pains

Well, folks, we all knew this day would come. The kid everyone’s been talking about since he was dunking on grown men in high school finally got his shot at the big leagues. Cooper Flagg, all 18 years and 305 days of him, stepped onto the American Airlines Center court Wednesday night carrying more expectations than a UPS truck during the Christmas season. And let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the fairy tale debut Mavericks fans were hoping for.

Flagg’s First NBA Reality Check

The No. 1 overall pick managed a double-double in his debut—10 points and 10 rebounds—but those numbers tell only part of the story. Watching Flagg struggle through 4-of-13 shooting while the Spurs handed Dallas a 125-92 beatdown was like watching your favorite rookie quarterback throw three picks in his first start. You know the talent is there, but man, those growing pains hit different under the bright lights.

The most telling moment came on his very first possession. Picture this: Flagg pushes the ball in transition, dishes to Anthony Davis, and soars through the air to catch the return lob. The crowd’s on their feet, cameras are flashing, and then… clank. The ball rattles out, Flagg hits the deck, and suddenly everyone remembers this kid is still learning how to fly at the NBA level. “Not great,” Flagg said when asked about his performance, displaying the kind of brutal honesty that would make Bill Belichick proud.

The Point Guard Experiment

Here’s where things get interesting—and by interesting, I mean potentially problematic. The Mavs decided to throw their 6-foot-9 rookie into the point guard spot, a position he’d never played until joining Dallas. It is like asking a linebacker to play quarterback because he’s got good size. Sure, it might work eventually, but you’re going to see some ugly possessions along the way.

Flagg managed zero assists while coughing up three turnovers, and according to ESPN Research, the Mavs scored just eight points on the 19 possessions where he brought the ball up court. That’s not exactly the kind of efficiency that wins games in October, let alone come playoff time.

Wembanyama Steals the Show

While Flagg was finding his NBA legs, Victor Wembanyama reminded everyone why he’s already being mentioned with the all-time greats. The French phenom dropped 40 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked three shots while making it look easier than assembling IKEA furniture. The 2023 No. 1 pick essentially gave the 2025 No. 1 pick a masterclass in what elite NBA play looks like.

Even more impressive was Stephon Castle’s performance—22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists while primarily defending Flagg. Castle, last year’s Rookie of the Year, showed the kind of two-way impact that Flagg will need to develop to reach his ceiling.

The Silver Lining For Flagg’s Future

Before we start writing Flagg’s basketball obituary, let’s pump the brakes. This kid became just the fifth Maverick to record a double-double in his NBA debut, joining a list that includes his current coach, Jason Kidd. At 18 years old, he’s younger than some college seniors and is being asked to contribute immediately on a playoff-contending team.

“Game one. I mean, he’s still a rookie,” Anthony Davis said. “You’re coming in and preseason was obviously good, but when that game one comes around [in a] packed stadium, national TV game… So you start hearing it, and I’m not sure if it got to him, but it’s first-game jitters when it’s time for the real thing.”

Coach Kidd seemed unfazed by the rough debut, noting that Flagg “played within himself” and “tries to play the game the right way.” That’s coach speak for “the kid didn’t panic and start chucking up shots like he was playing 2K.”

What’s Next For the Young Star?

Flagg’s next test comes Friday against the Washington Wizards, another home game where he can hopefully shake off those first-game jitters. The beauty of being 18 is that you bounce back faster than a Super Ball, and the Mavs aren’t exactly depending on him to carry the offense with players like Davis and Klay Thompson around.

The real question isn’t whether Flagg will improve—it’s how quickly he can adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA while learning a new position. It’s a tall order, even for someone who’s been tall since middle school. Sure, his debut wasn’t the stuff of highlight reels, but neither was LeBron James’ first game (he went 4-of-16 from the field, in case you’re wondering). Sometimes the best stories start with the toughest chapters.