Cooper Flagg Misses 2026 NBA Summer League, Backs Mavericks

Flagg’s Summer League Stand‑out Moment

Cooper Flagg, Dallas’s 2025 No. 1 overall pick, chose to sit out the 2026 NBA Summer League but made a point of showing up at the Thomas & Mack Center. The “Maine Event” entered to a loud pop as the lower bowl filled with fans. He was joined by Marcus Sasser, Moussa Cissé, Max Christie and Caleb Martin, plus team president Masai Ujiri and GM Mike Schmitz.

Even without playing, Flagg’s presence gave the Mavericks a noticeable boost on the bench. His decision to attend rather than travel elsewhere signals a focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming season. It also reinforces his reputation as a team‑first player.

The summer league is a proving ground for rookies, but Flagg’s choice to skip the action suggests the Mavericks are managing his workload carefully. Whether this rest pays dividends in the regular season remains to be seen.

Mavericks Summer League Game Recap

On Thursday the Warriors topped Dallas 101‑90 in Las Vegas. Second‑year guard Ryan Nembhard delivered his first summer‑league double‑double with 15 points and 11 assists. Sophomore forward John Poulidkidas added 14 points for the Mavs.

The matchup featured two promising first‑round prospects: Mavericks’ Morez Johnson Jr. and Golden State’s Yaxel Lendeborg, who had shared a national championship at Michigan just months earlier. Lendeborg later interviewed his former teammate in a playful post‑game press‑conference style.

The loss highlighted areas for Dallas to address, particularly defensive rebounding and perimeter shooting. Still, the summer league provided valuable extra minutes for many role players.

First‑Round Picks Shine

Morez Johnson Jr. erupted for 27 points and eight rebounds in his debut, starting at center and delivering an Al Jefferson‑like fade in the low post before swatting a shot on the opposite end. Ryan Nembhard and Johnson built chemistry quickly, with Nembhard finding Johnson for a dunk and Johnson corralling a second‑chance layup.

“I love him already,” Nembhard said of Johnson’s intensity, praising his hard‑nose approach on both ends. Johnson responded, “I feel like I competed the whole game,” noting the highs and lows of his first summer‑league outing.

Sergio De Larrea, also a first‑round selection, returned from a lower‑leg injury and contributed five assists, nine points and six rebounds. He hit a three‑pointer in the third quarter and remained optimistic despite a bruised knee.

Coach and new assistant Joe Boylan praised De Larrea’s energy and basketball IQ, highlighting his ability to generate alley‑oops in practice and his mature demeanor. The Spaniard admitted the Dallas environment feels very different from Spain but is enjoying his time.

International Roster Highlights

Dallas entered summer league with seven international players: Ryan Nembhard (Canada), Vsevolod Ishchenko (Russia), Tobi Lawal (England), Kaodirichi Akobundu‑Ehiogu (Nigeria), Guillermo Díaz Graham (Spain), Jorge Díaz Graham (Spain) and Sergio De Larrea (Spain). Their varied backgrounds added depth to the rotation.

Lawal delivered a signature put‑back dunk over a Warriors defender and later blocked a shot that sparked the Vegas crowd. Ishchenko, despite a modest line of seven points and three rebounds, showcased solid ball‑handling and an overhead pass that drew loud applause.

The international contingent underscored the Mavericks’ commitment to global scouting, giving fans a preview of potential future contributions. Their performances will influence final roster decisions heading into the regular season.

Cooper Flagg’s intentional absence from the 2026 NBA Summer League underscores a strategic approach by the Mavericks to manage rookie development. While the team fell short on the court, the summer league served as a platform for prospects like Morez Johnson Jr., Sergio De Larrea and the international players to impress. Fans can expect Flagg to be a key piece when the regular season begins, backed by the depth showcased this week in Las Vegas.