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Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has already caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts during his initial outings in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. His early performances provide valuable insights into his potential, which could significantly influence expectations regarding his fantasy basketball prospects for the 2025-26 season.
In his second game against the Spurs, Flagg showed a marked improvement compared to his debut performance against the Lakers, where he tended to take too many challenging and contested mid-range shots. In contrast, in the second match, he attacked the rim with greater determination, resulting in a more productive and efficient game. A consistent highlight from both games was his comfort level in transition, where he frequently initiated or capped off fast breaks. His size and athletic ability pose considerable challenges for defenders when he builds momentum.
While fellow teammate Ryan Nembhard took on the primary point guard role, Flagg was tasked with creating opportunities in half-court situations. This often led to his own shot attempts or initiating passes, rather than setting up his teammates for assists. However, it’s likely that his assist averages will rise during the regular season, given his strong passing skills demonstrated in Duke’s system. The structure of summer league play can be unpredictable, but he should have ample chances to showcase his passing intelligence and vision as he becomes familiar with Dallas’ offensive strategies. It’s noteworthy that he averaged only 1.5 turnovers per game despite a high usage rate during Summer League, although he may face some challenges as a ball handler against more seasoned NBA defenders.
In college, Flagg boasted a 39% shooting rate from beyond the arc, but he encountered difficulties during the Summer League. Nonetheless, he was fearless, nearly doubling his shooting attempts compared to his time at Duke. While Flagg will need to stretch the floor for the Mavericks, it’s unlikely he’ll be expected to take seven three-pointers per game. The shots he attempts will more likely be open catch-and-shoot opportunities rather than off-the-dribble attempts. Some scouts have expressed concerns about his shooting mechanics, which could lead to inconsistency throughout the season.
Defensively, Flagg showcased his instincts and athleticism. While he didn’t accumulate impressive steal or block stats, he consistently positioned himself to provide help defense and wasn’t hesitant to disrupt drives. He also managed to contest shots without drawing fouls. However, at the NBA level, he may not post significant block numbers, especially when sharing the floor with players like Anthony Davis and either Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford. His rebounding stats were modest, and I wouldn’t anticipate much improvement in that area given the competitive environment. He may be utilized more for transition play rather than crashing the boards.
What does this mean for Flagg’s potential in fantasy basketball as a rookie? His two Summer League outings likely did not change any prevailing opinions. Those who admire his athleticism and instincts likely saw reaffirmed their beliefs, while skeptics noted the anticipated growing pains in half-court settings. Within the Mavericks’ framework, Flagg has the potential to serve as a co-second option alongside D’Angelo Russell (filling in for Kyrie Irving) behind Anthony Davis, although whether he will realize this potential immediately remains uncertain. As he adapts to Dallas’ larger lineup, he will need to establish himself as a credible shooting threat, both on and off the ball, to optimize his impact on the court.
