Sources: Dallas Mavericks Shut Down Cooper Flagg for Rest of Summer League

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg will not play again in Summer League, sources confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com. The move ends Flagg’s Las Vegas stint after two games, featuring extended minutes, aggressive usage, and promising glimpses of what’s to come from the No. 1 overall pick.

Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks in two appearances against the Lakers and Spurs. His final showing, a 31-point performance in a 76–69 loss to San Antonio, was a significant step forward after a tough shooting debut.

“I definitely felt a little more comfortable,” Flagg said after Saturday’s game. “They were still picking up 94 [feet]… but I was trusting all the work.”

The decision to sideline Flagg moving forward follows a recent trend of top picks limited to just two games in Summer League. Zaccharie Risacher (2024) and Victor Wembanyama (2023) played two games in their respective debuts before being shut down as a precaution.

From the outset, the Mavericks embraced a developmental approach for Flagg, challenging him to bring the ball up the floor against full-court pressure and play through physical contact. In 62 total minutes, Flagg committed just three turnovers and drew frequent trips to the free-throw line, including a 12-attempt outing against San Antonio.

“I’m exhausted,” Flagg admitted. “I’m not used to bringing the ball up like that… but I thought I did a solid job.”

Summer League head coach Josh Broghamer praised the 18-year-old’s resilience and adaptability.

“For a kid who you say, ‘We’re going to give you the basketball and they’re going to pick you up full court,’ it’s even more exhausting and tougher on him than a regular game,” Broghamer said.

Teammates also took note. Miles Kelly, who scored 11 points in Saturday’s loss, said Flagg’s calm under pressure and willingness to adjust left a strong impression.

“He didn’t have the best game last game, but he came back with the right mentality,” Kelly said. “He kept fighting.”

The Mavericks will continue Summer League play without Flagg when they face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. While his debut run was brief, the rookie’s performance provided plenty of highlights — and a clear sense that Flagg is already embracing the grind of the NBA.

“I’m just trying to get better,” Flagg said. “Whether shots go in or not, I know what I can do. I’m going to keep trusting the work.”

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