Worst debut? 1st choice Cooper Flag. I've seen hope! Decisive block shot + assist 3 defenders. Winning Mentalty who overcame the PG test

Jul 13, 2025

Worst debut? 1st choice Cooper Flag. I've seen hope! Decisive block shot assist 3 defenders. Winning Mentalty who overcame the PG test



Worst debut? 1st choice Cooper Flag. I've seen hope! Decisive block shot assist 3 defenders. Winning Mentalty who overcame the PG test
Cooper Flag, who was nominated by the Dallas Mavericks as the first player in this season's rookie draft, is widely considered to have performed poorly in the first game of the Summer League.

The flag made its debut on the 11th (Korea time) against the Dallas-LA Lakers in the 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

However, he scored only 10 points out of 21 field throws. The 3-pointers were inaccurate. Missed all five of the 3-pointers.




After the game, Flag told local media that 'One of the worst games of my life'

However, ESPN's view was different.

The media blocked LA Lakers guard DJ Steward's driving layup attempt with 1:10 left in the opening game of the NBA 2K26 Summer League on the 13th. Flag then made the transition, luring three defenders and helping teammate Ryan Nembhard to a 3-pointer. In the end, Dallas won 87-85, saying 'Flag's difficulty in shooting was clear, but Flag's block shot and assist were the decisive moments of the game. The Dallas coaching staff evaluated the flag as showing both competitiveness and multi-functionality.




Flag is likely to play as a wingman. However, manager Jason Kidd said he would use Flag as the main ball handler and point guard in the Summer League. It actually played that role.

Flag is the most vulnerable part.

Worst debut? 1st choice Cooper Flag. I've seen hope! Decisive block shot assist 3 defenders. Winning Mentalty who overcame the PG test
Worst debut? 1st choice Cooper Flag. I've seen hope! Decisive block shot assist 3 defenders. Winning Mentalty who overcame the PG test
He had strong defense and versatility, but was evaluated as having poor shot creation ability. The fact that Flag takes charge of the main ball handler means that he has to actively create shots. In the end, his strength, defense, shone in his first debut in the Summer League, but he exposed his weaknesses in the part leading the attack.

However, the greatest strength was achieved in the struggle. NBA experts point to Kawhi Leonard as the flag's campsite player. This means that the forward of both offense and defense makes a practical play with a high contribution to win the team. This part appeared in the match.

His offense didn't go well, but he eventually contributed to his team's victory in many ways. It was like that in defense, and by pulling the opponent's defense, he eventually led the team to a decisive assist.

In fact, Dallas Summer League head coach Josh Brogamer said that the flag creates a winning play, whether it's offense or defense.

Flag scored 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals on the day.

Coach Jason Kidd, who watched the game closely, said, `He made a great decision making. He will continue to make mistakes, but at the age of 18 he thinks calmness is great.

Of course, it could be a ritual comment about a new member of his team, but it was certainly impressive that he tried to calmly show his performance in a situation where his shooting sense was not good. In particular, the concentration was considerable at the match point.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.