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NBA rookie draws attention for shutting down Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Cooper Flagg was the big attraction in Saturday’s NBA Summer League game between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, but it was another rookie who garnered a lot of attention for his performance.

Spurs rookie Carter Bryant was noted for his defensive effort on Flagg during Saturday’s game. When guarded by Bryant, Flagg shot just 3/12 from the field and turned the ball over twice.

Cooper Flagg being guarded by Carter Bryant today:

– 3/12 FG
– 2 turnovers

The Spurs got another defensive demon ‍ pic.twitter.com/hLDaUsYclW
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 12, 2025

Bryant was on Flagg to begin the game and completely clamped down on the No. 1 pick.

Carter Bryant with the clamps on Cooper Flagg, forcing a turnover (with a replay).
"He was in his chest like a bronchitis" pic.twitter.com/CnM1k5pfoy
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 12, 2025

Fans were also stunned by one defensive play Bryant made, in which he went from guarding the ballhandler at halfcourt to breaking up a lob at the rim.

To go from guarding the ball handler at half court and then not only having the awareness but the capability to disrupt the lob, too

Carter Bryant looks special defensively and that’s not even hyperbole https://t.co/E1r3VPu6g7 pic.twitter.com/Q1qN4HSAbE
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) July 12, 2025

Flagg did end up scoring 31 points in Saturday’s game, which underlines just how effective Bryant was in guarding him.

The Spurs made Bryant the No. 14 overall selection in the NBA Draft. By the looks of it, they have another defensive standout on their hands, and he might wind up being a steal. Perhaps he wanted revenge on Flagg for some pre-draft awkwardness.

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

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