The Mavs Shut Down Cooper Flagg—and I Hate It

So it's been reported — and confirmed by multiple outlets — that the Dallas Mavericks are shutting down No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg for the rest of Summer League.

And you want to know how I feel about that?

I HATE IT.

Yeah, I said it.

Hate might be a strong word, but trust me when I say this decision is soft — and honestly, it’s a missed opportunity.

Let’s rewind real quick.

His debut last Thursday?

Let’s keep it a buck — it was rough. Against Bronny James and the Lakers, Flagg finished with just 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. Went 0-for-5 from deep.

He was more broke than Will Smith in Pursuit of Happyness, and y’all know I’m telling the truth.

But listen — he’s only 18. The bright lights of Vegas. National spotlight. Fourth-most watched Summer League game EVER.

You think the moment wasn’t loud? He was jittery, and it showed. But guess what? That’s fine. We’re not here to crucify the kid. He’s got room to grow.

But here’s where things flipped: Game 2.

Cooper Flagg came out like he heard ALL the noise. And he silenced a lot of it. Dropped 31 points on 10-for-21 shooting, and he looked smooth.

Confident.

Handled the rock well.

Showed poise.

Made plays.

Looked every bit like a No. 1 pick. Now that’s what we wanted to see.

So naturally, the Mavs saw that… and said “Shut him down.”

Wait. What?!

This is the part where I just throw my hands up.

I get it — load management culture. I get it — protect the investment. I understand the fear of injury.

But here’s the deal: HE’S 18 YEARS OLD.

You don’t preserve a diamond by never polishing it.

You don’t teach a young star to shine by hiding him from the lights. You play him. You put him in situations to struggle, to adjust, and to bounce back.

That’s how you build a future leader. That’s how you test his grit, his mental, and his bag.

Flagg’s not Zion. He hasn’t missed a year. He’s not coming off a major surgery. He’s fresh. Let the kid play!

The NBA baby-proofs everything now. 

You can't play back-to-backs. You can’t play in Vegas for more than two games. You can’t even sneeze too hard without someone grabbing the load management form.

Let’s be honest — Flagg needs reps. You think Luka wasn’t playing against grown men in Europe at 17?

You think MJ, and Kobe got handed greatness without grinding through it?

We all want Cooper Flagg to become something special. But that doesn’t happen by bubble wrapping him in July.

Let the young bull run. Let him hoop. Let him learn.

Dallas: You might’ve won the battle, but if this kid doesn’t get game reps, experience, and adversity NOW — you’re risking the war.

Don’t treat him like he’s made of glass.

Treat him like the future.