All eyes were on Cooper Flagg—and the spotlight didn’t faze him. In his highly anticipated NBA Summer League debut with the Dallas Mavericks, the former Duke phenom proved that the hype is real. Facing double-teams, early misses, and a national stage under blinding lights, the 18-year-old didn’t just survive—he delivered. With a signature one-handed slam and 10 gritty points in the first half, Flagg sent a clear message: the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is built for the big leagues.
Cooper Flagg’s journey from Durham to Dallas took another major step forward Saturday night as the former Duke star made his NBA Summer League debut for the Mavericks in Las Vegas. And while the numbers won’t blow anyone away, the flashes of greatness were impossible to miss.
Wearing jersey No. 32 and sporting some subtle facial hair, the 18-year-old looked every bit like a player ready to write the next chapter in Duke’s proud NBA tradition. Despite missing his first two shots and facing intense defensive attention from the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg rebounded with poise, focus, and flair.
His first basket? A crowd-pleasing one-handed dunk in transition after navigating through multiple defenders—a signature moment that ignited the Mavericks’ momentum and reminded fans why he was the No. 1 overall pick.
Flagg scored all 10 of his points in the first half of Dallas’ 87-85 win over the Lakers at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. He finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in limited minutes, offering glimpses of the all-around game that made him the nation’s most electric freshman at Duke.
“Not up to my standard, but I’m gonna regroup, I’m gonna be alright,” Flagg said during a courtside interview on ESPN. “New feeling, new environment, new teammates. … I didn’t have my best game, but I’m gonna just keep going forward.”
That mindset is pure Duke. Flagg’s humility, grit, and accountability echo the values that Coach Jon Scheyer and the Brotherhood instill in every Blue Devil. It’s why Duke fans around the world continue to root for him—not just as a player, but as a person.
What stood out most wasn’t the stat line. It was the way Flagg carried himself. He took coaching in stride. He communicated on defense. He adjusted his spacing. He showed flashes of playmaking, shooting, and rim protection. In a setting where many rookies press, Flagg stayed composed.
With NBA veterans like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis expected to return later in the season, Flagg is in the perfect environment to learn, grow, and elevate. And if Saturday night is any indication, the Mavericks may have something special on their hands.
For Duke fans, the Summer League debut is more than just another NBA update—it’s a proud moment. Flagg is the sixth Duke player to be taken No. 1 overall, joining the likes of Elton Brand, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero.
Cooper Flagg has arrived. The NBA stage is his next classroom. And Duke Nation will be watching every step of the way.
