Cooper Flagg is so strong, who can stop him this season? 41 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST over his first two games as a Maverick in the Summer League

Who Can Stop Cooper Flagg This Season? Mavericks Rookie Takes Summer League by Storm

The NBA Summer League is often a stage for rookies to make their mark, but every so often, a young player arrives and immediately looks like he belongs in a different league altogether. That’s exactly what’s happening in Las Vegas this July, as Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ highly anticipated rookie, is putting on a show that has left fans, scouts, and even veteran players in awe.

Flagg’s numbers through his first two Summer League games are nothing short of astonishing: 41 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. But those statistics only tell part of the story. The real narrative is how Flagg is dominating—his poise, his versatility, and his relentless energy on both ends of the court.

A Star Is Born
Coming into the draft, Cooper Flagg was already one of the most talked-about prospects in years. His high school and prep performances had generated endless highlight reels, and his potential seemed sky-high. But even the most optimistic projections didn’t quite prepare the basketball world for how quickly Flagg would look NBA-ready.

In his Summer League debut, Flagg wasted no time making an impact. He scored from everywhere: draining threes, attacking the rim with authority, and showing off a mid-range game that kept defenders guessing. On defense, he was just as impressive—switching seamlessly between guarding bigs and wings, blocking shots, and grabbing boards in traffic.

What’s perhaps most remarkable is his composure. Despite the hype and the bright lights, Flagg plays with a calm confidence rarely seen in someone so young. He doesn’t force shots or try to do too much; instead, he lets the game come to him, making the right play time after time.

Who Can Stop Him?
With performances like these, the question on everyone’s mind is inevitable: Who can stop Cooper Flagg this season?

It’s a tantalizing question—and one that doesn’t have a simple answer. Summer League is, after all, just the appetizer before the main course of the NBA regular season. The competition will get fiercer, the defenders stronger, and the scouting reports more detailed. Flagg will soon face off against some of the league’s elite defenders: Victor Wembanyama’s length and timing, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strength and agility, and Bam Adebayo’s tenacity in the paint.

Yet, Flagg’s unique skill set gives him a fighting chance against even the best. At 6’9” with a wingspan that seems to stretch forever, he has the tools to shoot over smaller defenders and drive past slower big men. His basketball IQ is off the charts; he reads defenses like a seasoned veteran and always seems to be one step ahead. And perhaps most importantly, he has the work ethic and competitive fire to keep improving.

The Maverick Factor
Flagg’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time for the Mavericks. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving already anchoring the offense, Flagg won’t be asked to shoulder the entire scoring load. Instead, he can focus on doing what he does best—making winning plays, defending multiple positions, and providing energy off the bench or as a starter.

Head coach Jason Kidd has already praised Flagg’s maturity and willingness to learn. “He’s got all the tools,” Kidd said after Flagg’s second game. “But what really stands out is how he listens, how he adapts, and how he competes. He’s going to be special.”

The Future Is Now
Of course, the real test will come when the regular season tips off and the stakes are higher. But if Summer League is any indication, Cooper Flagg is not just ready for the NBA—he’s ready to take it by storm. The question of who can stop him may not have an answer for a long time.

For now, Mavericks fans can sit back and enjoy the ride. The Cooper Flagg era has officially begun, and it promises to be something truly special.