Big time comparison for the No. 1 pick.
Cooper Flagg’s first NBA Summer League appearance was brief but sparked plenty of conversation. The Dallas Mavericks rookie, taken first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, suited up for just two games before the team decided to rest him. But in that short stint, he left a lasting impression.
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Flagg averaged 20.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game. He shot just 36 percent from the field and struggled from deep, hitting only 21 percent of his three-point attempts. He also connected on just 57 percent of his free throws, leaving some questions about his offensive polish.
Still, the raw numbers and flashes of versatility were enough for some to make big predictions. Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard didn’t hold back when sharing his take on the 18-year-old forward.
Analyst Says Cooper Flagg Could Surpass Garnett as Scorer
“I think he’ll be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett,” Broussard said. “He can shoot the three, has a mid-range jumper, can post up a bit and will get better in that area over time. He can push the break, finish strong, and get to the basket. His offensive skills are just more developed than Garnett’s were at this point.”
Broussard also pointed out Flagg’s response to adversity. After a quiet 10-point outing in his debut against the Lakers, Flagg erupted for 31 points against the Spurs. That resilience stood out to the veteran analyst.
“He’s got the right mentality. The way he bounced back shows me he’s the real deal,” Broussard added.
Before he ever played an NBA minute, Flagg was already being compared to Garnett. According to a scouting report from Bleacher Report leading up to the draft, Flagg possesses the size, athleticism and all-around game to potentially mirror Garnett’s impact.
The report noted that Flagg has “the scoring potential, body, IQ and defensive tools” to become one of the rare players capable of averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block per game over a season.
Kevin Garnett, who played 21 seasons in the NBA, finished with career averages of 17.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He was known more for his defense, leadership and intensity than for elite scoring.
If Flagg can reach or pass those numbers while adding a more complete offensive game, as Broussard believes, he could develop into a franchise-changing talent for the Mavericks.
Flagg, who played one season at Duke before entering the draft, was a standout at every level leading up to the NBA. The Mavericks clearly see him as the centerpiece of their future, and shutting him down early in Summer League suggests they’re playing it safe with their top pick.
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