LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks concluded their 2025 NBA Summer League campaign with a 2-3 record, but the performances of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard stole the spotlight in Las Vegas.
Flagg played just two games before the team opted to shut him down. In his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers—where ticket prices soared above $2,000—Flagg scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished four assists, and recorded three steals. Despite a cold shooting night (5-of-21 FG, 0-of-5 from three), the buzz around the 19-year-old was undeniable.
He followed that performance with a dominant showing against the San Antonio Spurs, posting 31 points in 31 minutes. Flagg hit three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and finished an alley-oop slam off a feed from Nembhard, showcasing his full offensive skill set. He shot 10-of-21 from the field and attempted 13 free throws as the Spurs struggled to contain him.
“He’s a complete stud,” Mavs guard Nolan Hickman said. “He was the No. 1 pick for a reason.”
Summer league head coach Josh Broghamer praised Flagg’s work ethic and defensive impact. “Whether the shots went down, he gets to his spots, makes the right plays, and defensively impacts the game,” he said.
Point guard Ryan Nembhard, who led the NCAA in assists last season at Gonzaga, proved to be a summer league steal. Running the Mavs' offense with poise, Nembhard impressed as both a playmaker and defender.
“You guys saw it,” Broghamer said. “Ryan didn’t have to prove anything else. We know what we got with him and we’re very excited about it going forward.”
Guard-forward Matthew Cleveland and Hickman both echoed high praise for Nembhard’s composure and vision on the court.
Elsewhere on the roster, forward Jordan Hall had a standout game against Philadelphia with 17 points, five rebounds, and nine assists. Maxwell Lewis, a Las Vegas native, finished the last two games strong with 41 combined points, including 7-of-12 from three-point range. Guard Miles Kelly posted double-digit scoring in three games, including 21 points against Philadelphia.
Hickman himself impressed with sharpshooting, notably hitting three first-half three-pointers in a 92-69 win over Orlando.
Broghamer said the summer league provided valuable insight into player versatility and development. “Everybody got to play good stretches and play different positions,” he said. “We know what they can do at a certain level, but see how it fits with different lineups.”
Though the Mavericks didn’t leave Vegas with a winning record, their young core left a lasting impression.
