Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League ends after Mavericks shut him down – The Athletic…….
In a move that surprised fans and analysts alike, the Dallas Mavericks have officially shut down rookie sensation Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the NBA Summer League, according to a report from The Athletic. The decision, made after just a handful of games, comes amid a wave of hype, high expectations, and growing concerns about player management and injury prevention.
Flagg, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had already become the most-watched player in Las Vegas. His Summer League debut brought out sold-out crowds, scouts, and even veteran NBA stars eager to see the 6’9″ forward in action. And Flagg didn’t disappoint: through three games, he averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks showing flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor.
But now, his show is over — at least for this summer.
“We’ve seen everything we needed to see,” said Mavericks Summer League coach Jared Dudley in a brief post-game statement. “Cooper’s a special talent, and we want to be smart. It’s a long season ahead. This isn’t about now — it’s about October and beyond.
Sources within the Mavericks organization told The Athleticthat the decision was not injury-related, but rather a strategic choice to preserve the rookie’s health and focus on long-term development. With NBA franchises becoming more cautious about their young stars, especially those with franchise potential, this move is consistent with recent trends.
“There’s no issue with his health at all,” one front office executive told *The Athletic. “If anything, he’s exceeded expectations. But the last thing we want is to overextend him or risk anything unnecessary before training camp.
Fans hoping to watch Flagg dominate in the semifinals or finals will now have to wait until NBA preseason— or possibly Mavericks media day in early October.
The decision has already sparked a mixed reaction across social media. Some fans applauded the Mavericks for taking a mature, long-term approach.
> “Smart move. Don’t burn the kid out before he even plays a real game,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.
But others felt disappointed, especially those who had traveled to Las Vegas just to witness the rookie phenom in action.
I flew across the country to see Cooper Flagg play live. Now I get one game and a shutdown? Disrespectful,” another fan complained on Instagram.
Despite the early exit, Flagg’s performance left a lasting impression. His defensive instincts, court vision, and maturity beyond his years have led many to believe he could be a generational two-way player.
NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, who has spent time mentoring young Mavericks players, spoke highly of Flagg after watching him courtside.
He’s the real deal. You can tell when someone has it. Cooper has it,” Nowitzki said
With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving already on the roster, the addition of Flagg gives Dallas an intriguing new dimension. Many analysts now see the Mavericks as having one of the most exciting cores in the Western Conference.
While Flagg won’t be returning to Summer League, his next stop is likely team training camp and continued development under head coach Jason Kidd. The team plans to slowly integrate him into its system, with the goal of grooming him for a prominent role by midseason.
Until then, fans will have to settle for highlight reels, interviews, and glimpses of practice footage — a small price to pay for what could be the beginning of a legendary NBA career.
As for Las Vegas, it will have to wait for another young star to light up the Summer League. Because **Cooper Flagg’s summer showcase is officially over.