Cooper Flagg to be benched for rest of NBA Summer League by Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to shut down No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg from the remainder of the NBA Summer League after just two games, according to multiple reports on Sunday, including ESPN.

The move comes after a standout performance from the 18-year-old forward on Saturday, where he scored 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper.



Flagg had a tougher debut on Thursday, managing just 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the mixed results, his flashes of potential were evident.

Sources say Flagg will not suit up on Monday when the Mavericks face the Charlotte Hornets in Las Vegas, marking an early end to his Summer League run. The team appears to be taking a cautious approach with their prized rookie.


Flagg, who was the consensus national college player of the year during his freshman season at Duke, led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four before falling to Houston in the semifinals.

His early Summer League exit is not due to injury, but likely part of the Mavericks' long-term development strategy for their top pick.