Cooper Flagg functioned throughout his collegiate tenure as the most accomplished athlete present during each contest. This wasn’t mirrored during his initial NBA appearance with the Dallas Mavericks, yet such an occurrence is barely attributable to the 18-year-old.
The paramount selection of the 2025 NBA Draft accumulated 10 points through a 4-of-13 shooting performance, securing 10 rebounds and committing three turnovers, challenging the San Antonio Spurs in his authentic introduction to NBA competition, which proved inadequate in overshadowing the premier selection of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Victor Wembanyama achieved an impressive 40 points (15-of-21 shooting), 15 rebounds, and executed 3 blocks, steering the Spurs toward a 125-92 victory.
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Flagg had to patiently await the third quarter to record his inaugural NBA points, executing a deep midrange jump shot. Entering the intermission, the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year was at a standstill with zero points, having missed both of his attempted shots.
At the age of 18 years and 305 days, Flagg represents the youngest player to enter the NBA since LeBron James, who was 18 years and 303 days when he debuted for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Cooper Flagg could be a developmental project for the Mavericks. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Flagg commenced this season amidst significant anticipation, potentially regarded as the finest American prospect since his teammate Anthony Davis, who contributed 22 points on 7-of-22 shooting along with 13 rebounds on Wednesday, joined the league in 2012. Ideally, Flagg could evolve into a versatile point forward, guiding his team effectively on both offense and defense.
He did not fulfill this role on Wednesday, which is hardly astonishing considering his youth and the caliber of talent around him. Acquiring Flagg was advantageous for the Mavericks precisely because they already possessed a roster of seasoned players projected to contend in the playoffs this season, and he is being immediately integrated as a starter.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined and D’Angelo Russell coming off the bench, Flagg was also assigned point guard responsibilities. It’s also relevant to acknowledge that Flagg would presently be preparing for his collegiate career had he not reclassified in high school. He is exceptionally young, even by the benchmarks of one-and-done players.
His subsequent game is scheduled for Friday, another home contest against the Washington Wizards.
Examining the Inaugural Performances of the Premier Selections from the 2025 NBA Draft
While Flagg encountered challenges, VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, recorded the highest point total in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain. Here’s a review of his performance, along with the other top seven picks, all from Wednesday.
