Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League debut has already made a mark off the court—even if he described his performance as “one of the worst games of my life.” The Dallas Mavericks rookie’s game-worn Summer League jersey was auctioned by Sotheby’s and fetched an astonishing $95,250, setting a record for any Summer League jersey and marking the most valuable piece of memorabilia tied to the burgeoning star.
Despite his frustrations with the game itself—he tallied just 10 points on 5‑of‑21 shooting, along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a block—collectors were undeterred. Sotheby’s confirmed the jersey’s authenticity through photomatching, underscoring its significance as the first NBA‑issued jersey worn by Flagg.
The hype surrounding the jersey sale highlights the excitement and promise tied to Flagg, a No. 1 overall pick who joins the Mavericks after a standout lone season at Duke. At Duke, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earning a slew of honors—including consensus National Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year. This fleece of accolades has set lofty expectations for his NBA career.
While the Summer League outing may not have reflected his collegiate dominance, it did offer flashes of his potential. He delivered a game‑saving block in the final minute and displayed his trademark all-around game even under pressure. His second Summer League appearance reinforced his capabilities—he exploded for 31 points on 10‑of‑20 shooting against San Antonio, showing why skeptics shouldn’t count him out early.
This jersey sale is more than just a record—it’s a cultural moment, reflecting both the fervor of sports memorabilia markets and the weight of expectations for top‑tier prospects like Flagg. The Mavericks’ franchise has clearly invested heavily in him, both in scouting and financially, and fans are already clamoring for a tangible piece of his early legacy.
As Flagg transitions from a celebrated college star to a pro poised for greatness, the record‑setting jersey auction may serve as just the opening chapter in what promises to be an unforgettable NBA journey.
