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Mark Cuban sees promise in Cooper Flagg

Despite a slow debut, Cuban believes Flagg shares similarities with Kobe Bryant's early career.

July 12, 2025 at 07:48 PM

Here's why Cooper Flagg's lackluster NBA summer league debut reminded Mark Cuban of Kobe Bryant

Former Mavericks owner reflects on Flagg's performance and future potential.

Mark Cuban compares Cooper Flagg's debut to Kobe Bryant's early struggles

Cooper Flagg's debut in the Las Vegas Summer League raised some eyebrows, but Mark Cuban is not worried. The No. 1 overall pick had a quiet game, scoring 10 points with six rebounds and three assists while struggling with his shooting. Cuban noted that Flagg resembles Kobe Bryant's early career, where both faced challenges before finding their rhythm. Flagg's lack of scoring in the second half brought attention but Cuban remains optimistic. He believe this slow start will contribute to Flagg's growth in the long run. Flagg himself acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, 'I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life.'

Key Takeaways

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Cuban sees parallels between Flagg and Bryant's early career struggles.

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Flagg's debut did not meet expectations but reflects a broader challenge for rookies.

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Mavericks plan to develop Flagg's skills, particularly as a distributor.

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Player development often requires patience and time to adapt to the NBA.

"You kind of have to think of the Kobe arc ... it took him some time to get it right."

Mark Cuban reflects on the development journey of both Flagg and Bryant.

"Not up to my standard, but I'm going to improve, I'm going to be alright."

Cooper Flagg expresses his determination to overcome early challenges.

Cuban's comparison to Kobe Bryant highlights the pressures faced by high draft picks. Fans expect immediate success, but true potential often unfolds over time. Flagg’s struggles should not overshadow his talent; rather, they showcase the adjustment every young player must make in the NBA. Cuban's confidence in Flagg suggests the Mavericks have a long-term vision, prioritizing development over instant results. As Flagg settles into his role alongside established players like Kyrie Irving, his growth will be key to the Mavericks' future success. The rookie's journey will likely draw both support and scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.