LAS VEGAS — He missed 16 of 21 shots, including all five attempts from deep, and airballed his first and final shots. And those who saw his NBA 2K26 Summer League debut still came away with a consensus gut feeling: Cooper Flagg is right on pace to be a problem.

Perhaps Cooper Flagg just had some first-game jitters. In his second Summer League outing, the 18-year-old Flagg put up a game-high 31 points while shooting 10-for-21 against the Spurs on Saturday. The Mavericks ultimately lost the game 76-69,

The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the number one pick in this year's NBA draft. Flagg predicted his toughest challenge heading into his first season before his name was called by Adam Silver on June 25. He was introduced by the Mavs two days later and will wear the No. 32 jersey.

Cooper Flagg had highs and lows in his first Summer League game which is to be expected. However, USA Today believes for the Mavericks to be good, Flagg must learn the hard way in the Summer League.

Bronny James is quickly emerging as one of the most closely watched young prospects in basketball, carrying both immense talent and the weight of a legendary last name. The son of