“I would consider this one of the least impressive games of my career,” Cooper Flagg stated to reporters last Thursday night. “But securing the win is what truly counts for me.” This remark from the 18-year-old basketball talent came after his debut in the Las Vegas Summer League. The top pick in this year’s NBA draft, selected by the Dallas Mavericks following a single season at Duke, didn’t experience the dismal start he suggested. Despite struggling with his shooting, Flagg showcased his playmaking ability and defensive skills. Fully aware of the significance and excitement tied to his first official NBA game, he showed determination to impress, seeking high-flying dunks at every turn.
Flagg rebounded with an impressive 31 points in his second and final Summer League game on Saturday. However, it was the latter part of his statement after Thursday night’s game that highlighted why Flagg is regarded as one of the most highly anticipated young prospects in recent memory: he is a winner.
The excitement around Flagg started in his home state of Maine, where he made history as the first freshman to win the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year award. He then moved to Montverde Academy in Florida after his first year of high school to seek tougher competition, winning numerous awards along the way: McDonald’s All American, Gatorade National Player of the Year, and even USA Basketball’s Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient of the title since it began in 1980. Long compared to legends like Kevin Garnett and Jayson Tatum due to his versatile skills and relentless work ethic, Flagg also reclassified to enter college early, doing so twice to reach the NBA sooner. With each hurdle he overcomes, he eagerly targets the next challenge.
In a feature on Flagg for the Ringer in 2024, J Kyle Mann depicted the 6ft 9in, 205lb athlete as “running toward the grind,” a sentiment echoed by long-time Mavericks writer Tim Cato when I sought his opinion on the teenager. “What stands out about Cooper is his constant upward trajectory,” Cato commented. “He often quotes his mom, saying, ‘If you’re the best player in the gym, it’s time to find a new gym.’ This mindset is evident in his entire career.”
Flagg’s unwavering dedication to self-improvement sets him apart, making him appear more refined and reserved compared to many peers. The Tatum comparisons extend to his public persona as well. His interviews come across as too polished, lacking the spontaneity of players like Anthony Edwards or the raw intensity of Garnett. There’s no flamboyance, just a singular focus. When asked about his dreams for his NBA career after his stellar performance in Vegas, where he consistently delivered highlight dunks, he provided a humble response. “I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m focused on getting better every day. I know there’s still a long way to go,” he stated.
“That focus is what distinguishes Cooper,” Cato added. “At times, it can be to his disadvantage. When he mentions things like ‘I’m not really into music,’ it emphasizes how consumed he is by basketball and his quest for improvement.”
Flagg may well end up as a comparable figure to Tatum, a potential top-five player fresh off an NBA championship. He would likely welcome such a path, especially considering his upbringing as a Celtics fan from New England. Yet, some insiders believe he has an even higher ceiling. An NBA executive remarked that Flagg was “the most skilled and hardworking prospect” during his Summer League games, also claiming, “He could be the most complete 18-year-old player since LeBron James.”
What stood out most in Flagg’s debut was not just one aspect, but his entire gameplay: the aggression, composure, basketball intelligence, defensive prowess, size, and athleticism. Flagg is on the brink of making his formal regular-season debut this October, poised to be a valuable contributor with superstar potential. Despite facing challenges, the Mavericks organization, just months removed from the Luka Dončić saga, appears to have hit the jackpot.
