Cooper Flagg is set to appear in his first Summer League. Selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft, expectations are high that Flagg will be able to make an immediate impact on the Mavs.
The 18-year-old forward is coming off a memorable season with the Duke Blue Devils, during which he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from deep. Prior to being drafted, he had been compared to the likes of Scottie Pippen, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum and Lamar Odom, among many others.
His first opportunity to show he can be a game-changer for Dallas will come in the Summer League. The Mavs are participating in the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins Thursday.
In the build-of to the tournament, however, Flagg has been making headlines for a different reason.
As the Mavs continue to promote Flagg and the rest of their Summer League team, fans couldn't help but take notice of the change in the youngster's physical appearance, particularly his facial hair.
Flagg already rocked a goatee during the NBA Draft, and since then, he has grown it a little bit more. Regardless, while some like it, others aren't big fans of it.
"goatee flagg," a fan noticed. Another one shared, "That goatee adds so much aura to Cooper Flagg."
"Goatee Flagg may be another animal," a third supporter added.
A critic remarked, "He’s gotta lose the Goatee." A fifth poster echoed a similar sentiment, writing, "Goatee is not it man."
"He not cutting that goatee, huh?" a social media user stated.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has grown his facial hair.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has grown his facial hair.
Scott Wachter / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
A couple of other commenters pointed to unkempt hairstyle, with one even offering to give him a cut: "Tell him to come see me for a fresh fade."
"Give this boy a good haircut," a follower posted.