Cooper Flagg Thoughts On His NBA 2K26 Summer League Opener Versus Lakers
Thursday was must see TV and it wasn’t even a regular season matchup. Basketball fans were keen on watching the 2025 number one overall draft pick’s team battle it out with Dalton Knecht and Bronny James; son of the all-time leading scorer of the NBA. Nevertheless, now that the game is over what are Cooper Flagg’s thoughts on his NBA 2K26 Summer League opener versus Lakers and what do his coaches think?
Well, Jason Kidd is all positivity despite Flagg not shooting his best against Los Angeles. Of course, Flagg’s shooting struggles (5-of-21 from the floor, 0-of-5 from 3-point range) stand out in the box score. But his contribution on defense and with assists is what the Mavs coaching staff are also happy about and wants to see.
Before summer league even commenced Kidd made it crystal clear that he planned to push Cooper. Jason directed that Flagg frequently be used as a point guard during summer league, challenging the 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward to expand his game as a primary facilitator. Due to this common knowledge, the Lakers roster didn’t make things easy for Flagg. Guarding him tough and heavily; even trapping him at half court the first time he touched the ball.
Jason Kidd thinks that LA working to make Cooper physically uncomfortable was not only good for Flagg’s development; but was the ultimate sign of respect for his game and abilities. Kidd mentions,
“I thought that was out of respect,” Kidd said referring to the double-team on the opening possession. “When you have someone like Cooper, who can handle, who can shoot, who can pass, you want the ball in his hands. He’s a great decision-maker. He did that at Duke. He did that at high school. He’s going to have some mistakes. We all did. We all threw it in the stands once in a while. But I think just his poise as an 18-year-old is incredible.“
Although, Cooper couldn’t seem to find a rhythm during the Mavs 87-85 win; he still finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and the block. Nevertheless, how did Cooper personally feel about his performance? Flagg says,
“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life. We got the win, so that’s what really matters to me.
Shots weren’t falling, but that’s going to happen. It’s going to be nights like that. It is somewhat new to me. I haven’t probably taken that many shots before, so that’s somewhat new. I’m going to try and figure it out. But new experience, so I’m excited to keep playing and move forward.”
Cooper Flagg Thoughts On His NBA 2K26 Summer League Opener Versus Lakers
What a great attitude. Plus, Cooper knows he’s got plenty of support as time goes on. Regarding his coaches Flagg states,
“The coaches have a lot of confidence in me. They were telling me they want me to experiment, try some new things. I was trying to be aggressive. That’s new for me, too.”
Well, although it was not his best work. Cooper still had the crowd going with an energetic dunk and baseline fadeaway over 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht. Plus, his coaches feel strongly that Flagg in time will prove to be a major winning component of the Dallas roster.
Regarding Flagg’s playmaking Mavs assistant Josh Broghamer, the team’s summer league head coach says, “That’s [just] what he does. He makes winning plays, whether it’s offense or defense. I think that’s as advertised. So whether it’s the right pass or it’s a defensive possession or scoring the ball, that’s what he does.”
Well, that was just the opener. Plenty more to see. Next, Flagg and the Mavericks will play the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, July 12 at 4 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+).
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