In a highly anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg took the court in the NBA 2K26 Summer League against the Los Angeles Lakers and Bronny James. Despite a rough shooting night (5-of-21 from the floor), Flagg showcased his explosive athleticism with a ferocious tomahawk dunk and impressive playmaking abilities, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists in a narrow 87-85 victory for the Mavericks. While comparisons to Grant Hill have been made, Flagg's size and versatility are what truly set him apart, with his ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple ways beyond just scoring.
Flagg's all-around production on both ends of the floor, reminiscent of players like Scottie Barnes and Kevin Garnett, bodes well for his future with the Mavericks, who boast a formidable frontcourt lineup. At 6-foot-9, Flagg's size allows him to excel as a transition offense weapon and a disruptive force on defense, evidenced by his three steals and one block in his debut game. With potential alongside stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Flagg's ability to impact the game beyond scoring makes him a valuable asset for Dallas, setting the stage for an exciting rookie campaign filled with promise and potential.