Cooper Flagg Shines in Summer League Debut
Rookie Maverick Demonstrates Impressive All-Around Game
Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is already making waves in the NBA 2K26 Summer League, showcasing a dynamic skillset that promises an exciting fantasy basketball outlook for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Early Performances Offer Glimpse of Potential
In his initial two Summer League contests, Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 block over 31.4 minutes per game. His efficiency improved significantly from his first game against the Lakers to his second against the Spurs, where he poured in 31 points. He demonstrated a greater willingness to attack the basket and found success in transition play, leveraging his size and athleticism against opposing players.
While his teammate Ryan Nembhard primarily handled point guard duties, Flagg was often tasked with initiating offense in the half-court. Although this sometimes led to more self-created scoring opportunities than assists, his passing acumen, honed during his collegiate career at Duke, suggests his assist numbers could climb once he integrates into the Mavericks’ structured offensive system.
Offensive and Defensive Strengths Emerge
Despite a slight dip in his three-point percentage compared to his college numbers, Flagg did not hesitate to launch shots, nearly doubling his volume from Duke. While his long-range shooting mechanics are still being evaluated by scouts, his ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes will be crucial for spacing the floor for Dallas.
Defensively, Flagg‘s instincts and athleticism were readily apparent. He was consistently in position to help his teammates, actively contesting shots, and showing a knack for disrupting offensive players. His defensive impact at the NBA level may be influenced by the presence of dominant big men like Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, potentially limiting his block opportunities. Similarly, his rebounding numbers might not be eye-popping in a crowded frontcourt, with a likely role focused on pushing the pace in transition.
Fantasy Outlook and Player Development
Flagg‘s Summer League performances did little to alter existing perceptions of his talent. Those who admire his instincts and athleticism saw them confirmed, while observers noting potential half-court growing pains also found evidence of that. His fantasy potential as a rookie hinges on his ability to contribute consistently, particularly as a perimeter scoring threat, both on and off the ball.
With the Mavericks, Flagg has the upside to become a co-second option alongside D’Angelo Russell, positioning him behind Anthony Davis. However, his path to fantasy relevance will require him to overcome the challenges of limited rebounding and block opportunities due to Dallas’s big lineup, and to solidify his role as a reliable shooter.
As of July 2025, the average fantasy basketball draft position for rookies with similar athleticism and defensive potential has been in the early to mid-rounds, indicating a strong belief in their immediate impact. For example, in the 2024 draft, top prospects were often selected within the first 50 picks. FantasyPros 2024 Rookie Draft Targets
Flagg’s ability to adapt to NBA-level defenses and establish his offensive rhythm will be key factors in his rookie season’s fantasy value.