Cooper Flagg walked into his NBA Summer League debut looking like a Bond villain and played like a high-IQ version of a rookie who refuses to fold under pressure. Wearing icy white New Balances and a stone-cold expression that screamed “I’m here to work”, the 18-year-old top pick didn’t waste time letting the world know he wasn’t just some hype reel from Maine – he was the real deal.

The Dallas Mavericks are without Kyrie Irving, who’s recovering from a brutal ACL tear that had him sinking free throws through tears back in March. With Luka Dončić now wearing Lakers purple (and somehow gelling with Bronny faster than D’Angelo Russell adjusts to a new jersey number), the Mavs were looking for a new offensive heartbeat. And Cooper Flagg was their knight in shining armour.

Jason Kidd isn’t exactly known for handing out compliments like Halloween candy. But even he couldn’t contain himself when asked about his shiny new No. 1 pick. During an in-game interview with Malika Andrews, Kidd looked every bit like a proud basketball dad. “Cooper’s done an incredible job with all the minutes,” Kidd said. “He’s handled the ball. He’s gotten wide-open shots for teammates; he’s finished. I think he’s seen a lot of what he can do in this league.“

And that’s not lip service. Cooper Flagg brought the ball up the floor on the very first possession of the game, navigating pressure with the calm of a Spurs veteran circa 2014. While others in the Summer League are throwing outlet passes into the third row like they’re auditioning for the Globetrotters, Flagg had only one turnover. Just one. That’s fewer than J.R. Smith had tattoos before his third year.

When asked if Point Flagg was a long-term option, Kidd didn’t blink: “Yeah, I think 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 and also in high school.“

And honestly? It showed. Flagg racked up four assists, but that doesn’t even tell the full story. At least three of those should’ve been cash-ins if his teammates could hit open corner threes. He made smart reads, ran the offense like a seasoned vet, and even had a nasty block-to-transition dime combo that screamed future All-Star.

Not Perfect, But Perfectly Composed

Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Cooper Flagg shot a rough 5-of-21 from the field. That’s the kind of percentage that makes coaches reach for Maalox. He missed all five of his three-point attempts and even looked shaky finishing through contact, shooting just 3-for-10 at the rim. But unlike some rookies who turn into shrinking violets when the shots stop falling, Flagg kept his foot on the gas.

His shot selection wasn’t reckless—he hunted mismatches, attacked in transition, and even pulled off a sweet little fadeaway over Bronny James that had the crowd ooh-ing. Six of his 10 points came in transition, where he used that 6’8” frame like a steamroller with sneakers. And while some fans groaned over the shooting line, Kidd wasn’t stressing: “He’s going to have some mistakes. We all did. We all threw it in the stands once in a while.” Thanks for that, coach. Somewhere, a montage of Kidd’s old wild passes just played in reverse.

If Cooper Flagg struggled offensively, he more than made up for it on the other end of the floor. He racked up three steals and a key block with 1:10 left that led directly to a go-ahead three-pointer. That swat on DJ Steward wasn’t just a highlight—it was the kind of play that changes the outcome of games.

And Flagg wasn’t locking up no-name talent either. He guarded Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Darius Bazley, and did it with the confidence of someone who’d been in the league for years. If he adds strength and continues reading the floor like this, the Mavs might just have their future defensive anchor and their playmaker.

With Kyrie Irving still months away from returning — his recovery pegged anywhere between January and “when the stars align and my knee feels like 2016 again” — the Mavericks need someone to orchestrate without turning the ball over like it’s a hot potato. Flagg might not be dropping 30, but he’s already absorbing double-teams, handling press, and keeping the offense moving. Kidd even said, “The Lakers sent the double team on the first play of the game. I think that’s out of respect.” And it’s true. You don’t send two guys at a rookie unless he scares you.

With D’Angelo Russell holding down the fort temporarily (read: trying not to get booed in his home games), Cooper Flagg has the green light to learn, experiment, and maybe even run the show from time to time. Kidd also gave credit where it’s due—to Flagg’s roots: “You gotta give his family, his mom and dad credit… when you talk to him, you forget that he’s 18. He loves basketball.” And he’s built for it. The dude played outside in Maine—a state where you need a shovel, not a towel, to clear a half-court.

With Kyrie Irving recovering and the Mavericks reeling from losing Luka, Cooper Flagg just became more than a shiny new toy—he’s become the system. Sure, he needs polish. His jumper might be colder than Ben Simmons’ in a Game 7. But the vision, the feel, the tenacity? That’s not teachable.

Jason Kidd sees it. Fans like 15-year-old Baer Epple see it. The Lakers sure as hell saw it. And after one game, Cooper Flagg isn’t just holding the keys—he’s already learning how to drive the car. As for the Mavs? Their Kyrie-sized headache might’ve just found its long-term aspirin.