The Dallas Mavericks made the somewhat expected choice to halt rookie Cooper Flagg earlier this month after he played just two games in the NBA Summer League. Two games were sufficient for management to conclude that Flagg is poised for his rookie season and will be a significant contributor to the Mavericks’ roster.

Warriors standout Draymond Green has expressed concern regarding the expectations placed on NBA veterans compared to first-year players regarding rest and workload management. Green voiced criticism regarding this perceived double standard without explicitly naming Flagg, although it is clear he was referencing the overall No. 1 draft choice who was sidelined after showcasing an impressive performance, scoring 31 points in his second summer league game.

“I find it very interesting that players get bashed for ’load management’ but rookies get shut down during summer league these days … fascinating huh,” Green remarked on Threads this week.

The NBA has investigated various reports on load management in recent years to address frequent complaints from fans about star players sitting out to rest. In early 2024, the league distributed a detailed report analyzing data from ten prior seasons, which concluded that resting players does not necessarily reduce their risk of injury.

Flagg’s 21-point scoring performance in summer league is the highest recorded by a No. 1 pick since John Wall in 2010. This week, Matt MacKenzie, Flagg’s dedicated player development coach, discussed Flagg’s future with CBS Sports.

“Cooper will head back to Dallas to get settled in and workout at the Mavs practice facility before heading to Maine in August for a couple weeks,” MacKenzie stated. “He’ll be leading a basketball camp for a few days, and we’ll maintain his training there as he eyes the rookie transition program and the commencement of training camp.”

Flagg related that he felt “exhausted” after taking on heavy ball-handling responsibilities for the Mavericks. Dallas coach Jason Kidd previously indicated that the franchise aimed to challenge Flagg early on, especially with Irving sidelined due to a knee injury for much of the regular season.

Green has remarked on Flagg’s unique situation as the No. 1 pick, noting the advantages he holds that few rookies have. Green observed that Flagg is joining established superstars like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, emphasizing that there is no pressure for him to be the franchise’s savior.

“I don’t think he could have asked for anything better as the No. 1 pick,” Green said last month on the Draymond Green Show. “You ain’t gotta go average 25 points on a bad team or 20 points on a bad team.”