Jason Kidd Sends Bold Message on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Lakers Summer League Debut
The Dallas Mavericks knew exactly what they were doing when they made Cooper Flagg the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—and now the NBA world is just days away from seeing what the young phenom can do under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Duke, was widely expected to go first overall, and the Mavericks wasted no time making it official on draft night. With a unique blend of scoring, passing, and defensive instincts, Flagg arrives in Dallas as perhaps the most anticipated rookie since LeBron James.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Flagg isn’t joining a rebuilding squad. He’s stepping into a Mavericks locker room already stacked with talent and championship aspirations. With All-Stars like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving on board, and Jason Kidd at the helm, the Mavericks are built to win now—and they believe Flagg can help them do just that.
Cooper Flagg: The Rookie With Championship Pressure
Coming off a dominant freshman campaign at Duke where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, Flagg showed the nation why he was the consensus No. 1 pick. He didn’t just put up numbers—he led the Blue Devils to an incredible 35-win season and a deep NCAA Tournament run that ended in the Final Four.
Now, Flagg steps into an entirely different challenge: proving that his game translates to the NBA, and fast. That journey begins on July 10, when the Mavericks face Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be a must-watch Summer League showdown.
Jason Kidd’s Big Statement: “I Want to Put Him at Point Guard”
Ahead of that game, Jason Kidd dropped a statement that turned heads across the basketball world.
“I want to put him at point guard,” Kidd said. “I’m excited to give him the ball against the Lakers and see what happens.”
That comment isn’t just bold—it’s groundbreaking. Giving a 6-foot-9 rookie the keys to the offense against the Lakers in his first official outing shows just how much confidence Kidd has in Flagg’s basketball IQ and court vision. It also signals something bigger: the Mavericks aren’t easing him into the league—they’re throwing him into the fire and expecting him to shine.
Flagg, for his part, welcomes the challenge.
“He has a good vision for me and what I can do and how I can impact the game,” Flagg said about Kidd. “So I’m excited to just talk to him more.”
Blockbuster Matchups and Rivalries on the Horizon
But Flagg’s debut against the Lakers is just the beginning. The Mavericks’ second Summer League game has also been announced, setting up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown between Flagg and Dylan Harper, the Rutgers standout taken by the San Antonio Spurs. This early rivalry is already generating serious buzz, with fans and analysts circling the date as a possible preview of future playoff battles.
Expect the Flagg vs. Harper matchup to be dissected from every angle, as both rookies try to establish themselves as the face of a new NBA generation.
Mavericks Face Critical Decision on Flagg’s Summer League Minutes
One of the key decisions ahead for the Mavericks’ coaching staff will be how they manage Flagg’s minutes throughout the Summer League. Do they give him extended run to build chemistry and showcase his talent? Or do they take a cautious approach, limiting his minutes to preserve his health ahead of the regular season?
Given the pressure and expectations surrounding Flagg, every minute on the floor will be scrutinized. His performance, leadership, and ability to control the game could very well shape the Mavericks’ direction for the next decade.
The Flagg Era Has Officially Begun
With the draft behind him and Summer League fast approaching, Cooper Flagg is ready to step into the spotlight. Backed by a loaded roster and a championship coach in Jason Kidd, he won’t have to carry the burden alone—but make no mistake, Dallas has big plans for him.
If his college career is any indication, Flagg isn’t just ready for the moment—he was built for it.
And with Kidd planning to unleash him as a point-forward against the Lakers? One thing is clear:
The Cooper Flagg era has officially begun in Dallas—and the NBA better be ready.
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