The Dallas Mavericks finished their summer league campaign with a high note with a great victory over the Orlando Magic.
Cooper Flag was the Dallas Mavericks player that everyone wanted to see in the summer league.
His 31-point game against the San Antonio Spurs gave the world a glimpse of what he could produce on the NBA floor. Flag was disappointed with the output, but his opponent in the game, Carter Bryant, praised the Mavs player.
It was expected that Flagg would fire on all cylinders, but another rookie impressed the team for doing it in the summer league after just three games.
The Mavericks were certainly happiest to draft the flag on their first pick, but they also managed to grab a fantastic draft fantasy with Ryan Nenbird.
The Indiana Pacers brothers played for Gonzaga at the age of 22 and were assisted leaders for the NCAA Tournament from 2024-25.
Despite university exploitation, Nenbird was not drafted, but the Mavericks saw his talent and signed him a two-way contract.
He averaged 11.7 ppg and 6.7 APG in three games, including a 21-point performance against the La Lakers.
Nembhard scored a clutch basket in that game, helping the Mavericks secure an 87-85 victory.
After three games, Nenbird was closed in the summer league, with coach Josh Brogammer revealing the reason behind it.
When asked why Brogammer was behind closing Nenbird after three games, he said:
“I think everyone knows we were stolen by him, he can play on the ball and out of the ball.
The Mavericks enter the regular season without knowing the return date for Kyrie Irving.
He suffered an ACL injury during the 2024-25 season and is expected to return at some point next year if his rehabilitation is correct.
The team signed D’Angelo Russell as a temporary replacement, but Nembhard was able to play some precious minutes off the bench.
Not only has he proven to be a great playmaker, but Nembhard also adds defensiveness to his team.
Jason Kidd has a stacked roster where Flagg, Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis are scheduled to go to court for MAVS.
Nembhard is a rookie, but the early sign is that players can see a few minutes due to the dynamism they add to the backcourt.