It only took 2 games for Cooper Flagg to prove he doesn't belong at Summer League

After the Dallas Mavericks played in their debut Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where the Mavs won 87-85 in an electric fashion, they now take on the No. 2 overall pick, Dylan Harper, and the San Antonio Spurs. Not only is this the first time fans will get to watch Cooper Flagg and Harper play against each other, but Flagg is getting another chance to prove why he was the presumptive No. 1 pick.

Before the first half even concluded, it was clear that Flagg didn't belong in the Summer League, as he had 15 points and an impressive defensive impact that made it clear he was going to be a menace at the professional level. While the Mavericks didn't win, Flagg gave Dallas every opportunity to take the game over as he finished the night with 31 points on uber-efficient numbers and even almost had half of the Mavericks' 67 points by the time the game ended.

While Flagg looked like one of the few Mavericks who belonged on an NBA floor, his impact and ability to affect both ends of the ball made it clear that he didn't belong in the Summer League.

Flagg proved he belongs in the NBA in just 2 Summer League games

In just two games, Flagg made it look easy on both ends of the floor, draining threes and finishing shots at the rim despite playing against some of the fiercest defenses teams had to offer. On the defensive end, Flagg also proved why he was one of the best defensive prospects in recent memory, constantly pestering players with his elite athleticism.

On multiple occasions, Flagg's defensive intensity caused players to cough up balls or rush shot attempts due to his shot-blocking capabilities. Flagg didn't just prove that his defense will translate to the next level almost seamlessly, but with him constantly stealing balls or blocking shots, he created plenty of fast break attempts for the Mavericks, which often led to easy buckets on the opposite end.

In addition to Flagg's defense impacting the game, his playmaking and ability to handle the offense were almost just as impressive. Flagg likely won't be asked to handle the ball as much as he did in Summer League, but it was clear from the opening jump that Flagg wasn't scared of the moment and that he had what it takes to handle the offense, no matter if he was being double-teamed or face-guarded.

On multiple occasions, Flagg was able to drive to the basket and kick out to open shooters around the perimeter, and while it may not have resulted in points, Flagg proved he isn't afraid to make extra passes for a better look at the basket.

Entering the Summer League, one of Flagg's biggest question marks was how his shot would translate to the NBA level, and he quickly proved that in a matter of time, he will be ready to dominate the offensive end. In Flagg's second appearance against the Spurs, he drained three shots from behind the arc and also used his dribble-drive abilities to get the basket for open looks at the rim or opportunities to dunk the ball.

Flagg's jumper will no doubt be a work in progress throughout his rookie season, but he proved that if he can unlock that level of his game that he will be ready to take the league over. Before drafting Flagg, the Mavericks understood that Flagg could be impactful on both sides of the ball, but after two Summer League games, now the whole world understands just how good Flagg can be at the next level.