BREAKING NEWS: “My Decision is Final” — Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Drops Bombshell Cooper Flagg Decision, Blindsiding Coaching Staff
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA Summer League and sparked debate across the basketball world, Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has made it official: Cooper Flagg will continue to play in the team’s remaining two Summer League games. The decision, described by Harrison as “final,” reportedly blindsided Head Coach Jason Kidd and the entire coaching staff, who had been leaning toward shutting down the prized rookie for rest and precautionary reasons.
Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old phenom and No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been the breakout star of Summer League, averaging 19.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. His aggressive style, polished footwork, and defensive versatility have already drawn comparisons to elite two-way players, and many viewed his work in the Summer League as more than sufficient to validate the Mavericks’ pick.
Yet, after a physically demanding stretch and back-to-back games in recent days, Coach Jason Kidd and several members of the coaching staff were reportedly planning to rest Flagg to protect him from unnecessary injury risk. That plan was overruled Friday night when Harrison made a surprise announcement from the team’s hotel conference room in Las Vegas.
“My decision is final — Cooper will continue to play,” Harrison told a room full of stunned reporters. “He’s a competitor. We brought him here to build chemistry, learn the system, and get valuable game reps. He’s healthy, hungry, and ready. We’re not shutting him down.”
Sources inside the Mavericks’ camp say the decision caught Coach Kidd off guard. According to one insider, Kidd had privately voiced concerns about overexposing the rookie in what is still considered exhibition play. “Coach thought he had alignment on sitting Flagg for the last two games,” the source said. “But Harrison made the call himself, and there was no room for debate.”
Despite internal disagreements, the Mavericks front office appears to be fully backing their young star’s on-court development. Flagg himself seemed excited when asked about Harrison’s decision.
“I want to hoop,” Flagg said with a smile following the team’s win over the Miami Heat’s Summer League squad. “Every minute on the court helps me get better. I’m here to compete.”
This move underscores the growing influence of Nico Harrison in shaping not just the roster but the day-to-day decisions of player development. It also hints at the level of confidence the Mavericks have in Flagg as not only a future franchise player but a cornerstone worth investing in — now.
The Mavericks will face the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors in their final Summer League games. All eyes will be on Flagg, not just for his continued performance, but for how this unexpected turn might impact team dynamics moving forward.
One thing is clear: Harrison’s decision is final — and Cooper Flagg is far from done.
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