Cooper Flagg’s much-anticipated Las Vegas NBA Summer League debut didn’t light up the scoreboard, but for fantasy managers, the underlying value was promising. Despite shooting 0-for-5 on 3s and 5-for-21 from the field, Flagg posted a respectable 27.5 fantasy points (10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and only 1 turnover).
That’s a blueprint for fantasy relevance — even when the shot isn’t falling. Here are a few takeaways from Flagg’s first professional game in a 87-85 win for the Dallas Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Under the bright lights of Thomas and Mack arena, Flagg contributed across the board. Although four assists don’t stand out in the box score, Flagg was the primary engine of the offense and he did a good job of getting his teammates looks — they just couldn’t convert. Flagg faced pressure all night but remained poised, committing just one turnover in 32 minutes. He made smart reads and was patient in initiating the offense. At only 19 years old, the assist potential could be a differentiator in his fantasy stock this season. The Mavs need more than D’Angelo Russell to be a playmaker. And Jason Kidd appears hellbent on the idea of Flagg playing point. Fantasy managers should pay attention and recognize that Kyrie may not return this season, leaving a significant void on offense that Flagg can help fill.
Witnessing Flagg play point guard was one of the things I was most excited about in attending the Summer League. After shooting 3-for-10 at the rim and a ton of shots in the midrange, I came away encouraged that Flagg will generate fantasy points even on an off night. “Point Flagg” looks like more than just a thing — it’s a role with real fantasy upside. Mix in some positive shooting regression with some playmaking and defense and 30 fantasy points per game is a safe projection for the consensus No. 1 overall pick.
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Yes, the 5-for-21 shooting hurts, but the volume is encouraging. Clearly his 3-ball needs work but as the game wore on, Flagg used his athleticism and handle to drive past defenders to get to the second level. By doing so, he got higher percentage looks in the short-to-mid range areas — they just didn’t fall. The Lakers were actively contesting Flagg’s shots and it didn’t help that he was noticeably fatigued by the final frame. He hasn’t played meaningful basketball since April, so it’s understandable that he came out a bit rusty. It’ll take time to find his footing but he profiled as an efficient shooter, ending his freshman year at Duke with 48/39/84 shooting splits.
The more practice reps and game experience he gets, the quicker he’ll find his shot. Not for nothing, he scored 6 of his 10 points in transition, so even if he goes cold, he can find alternative ways to put the ball in the basket. Like any rookie, the efficiency woes will come and go. Fortunately, his defense is so dynamic that it can offset a poor shooting performance.
Three steals and a block? That’s elite defensive output, especially for a rookie. That’s the Andrei Kirilenko in him, who was so impactful in real life and fantasy hoops.
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Flagg’s instincts and versatility shined and it’s a clear signal that he can rack up stocks regularly — one of the most valuable fantasy categories for any format.
Flagg’s shooting will improve, and his ability to fill the stat sheet even on an off night is what fantasy managers should care about. If he’s this productive shooting 24% from the field, imagine the ceiling once he finds his rhythm.
Flagg is the top dynasty fantasy pick in a rookie draft. In points and 9-cat leagues, I’d draft him near the fifth round, though I fully expect a strong offensive performance could drive the price up come draft season.
