In his NBA Summer League debut in Las Vegas against the Lakers and Bronny James, Cooper Flagg showed why he’s the No. 1 pick of the 2025 draft. While his offensive stats were modest, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in 32 minutes, his impact went far beyond the box score.
The turning point came in the final minutes when Flagg delivered a clutch weak-side block that stopped a driving layup and set up Ryan Nembhard’s game-winning three-pointer, sealing an 87–85 victory for Dallas. His defensive instincts, court vision, and energy in transition proved he’s already a complete player, even on a rough shooting night (5-of-21 from the field, 0-of-5 from three).
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s maturity at just 18 years old, highlighting his poise under pressure. Flagg, on the other hand, called it “one of the worst games of my life,” but emphasized how important it is to learn and adapt quickly.
Was this debut enough to confirm his NBA readiness?
Yes. Despite poor shooting percentages, Flagg impressed with his defensive impact and clutch presence. This combination confirms that beyond the numbers, he has the tools to be a difference-maker from day one.
With praise from coaches and veterans alike, Flagg’s transition to the pro level looks rock-solid, and incredibly promising.
