By his personal admission, No. 1 total decide Cooper Flagg’s summer season league debut on Thursday was lower than his customary. In his second outing on Saturday, nonetheless, the way forward for the Dallas Mavericks confirmed precisely why he is seen as a generational prospect.
Flagg scored 31 factors in 31 minutes in Saturday’s showdown with No. 2 total decide Dylan Harper, because the Mavericks fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 76-69. His 31 factors have been essentially the most by a No. 1 decide within the Las Vegas Summer season League since John Wall in 2010, and a few fast and simple math tells us that Flagg scored practically half of his crew’s whole — a formidable feat, even in an exhibition. He shot 10 for 21 from the sector, whereas including 4 rebounds, an help and a block.
Flagg additionally knocked down the primary 3-pointers of his profession, going 3 for 9 from deep. He was notably aggressive, making a concerted effort to get to the rim and hunt down contact, going 8 for 13 from the free throw line after logging only one try in his debut.
Anybody with doubts about Flagg’s ceiling after a shaky debut are actually reconsidering their stance following Saturday’s efficiency.
| Debut vs. Lakers | 10 | 5-21 | 0-5 | 0-1 |
| Saturday vs. Spurs | 31 | 10-21 | 3-9 | 8-13 |
Harper was additionally spectacular in restricted time on the ground, scoring 16 factors in slightly below 20 minutes on 5-for-12 capturing in his summer season league debut (he missed the Spurs’ opener as a consequence of a groin damage). He showcased the expertise and demeanor that made him such an intriguing prospect as a 6-foot-6 guard, taking part in below management and attending to the rim each within the halfcourt and in transition.
Harper added six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, whereas going 6 for 7 from the free throw line.
“I believe I got here out nice, simply making an attempt to get my guys concerned, simply making an attempt to play the fitting approach and simply finally come out right here and win, and that is what we did in the present day,” Harper mentioned after his debut. “So, I had a great day.”
Flagg and Harper are on the prime of what’s anticipated to be an impactful draft class that additionally options VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey and Kon Knueppel, amongst others. Carter Bryant, Harper’s teammate who was chosen No. 14 total by the Spurs, was significantly spectacular on the defensive finish in Saturday’s win.
Linked as the highest two picks within the draft, that is simply the primary of many battles between Flagg and Harper. If the following matchups are something like this one, we’re in for a deal with because the prospects proceed to develop and develop.
“Undoubtedly nice competitors. I imply, the entire [draft] class, we’re a bunch of opponents,” Harper mentioned of his matchup with Flagg. “He had a great recreation, I had a great recreation. I believe total, we simply showcased what we might do to the entire basketball world.”
