Cooper Flagg’s first steps in a Dallas Mavericks uniform were brief but electrifying, and they’ve already sparked conversations about how much responsibility the teenager should shoulder in a championship-ready environment.

The No. 1 overall pick averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in two Summer League games before the Mavericks shut him down in Las Vegas to preserve his health for the regular season. His debut against the Los Angeles Lakers was uneven — 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting offset by six rebounds, four assists and three steals — but his second outing against the San Antonio Spurs erased doubts. He poured in 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, attacked the rim for 13 free throws, and dazzled with dunks and timely three-pointers.

Those glimpses reinforced why Dallas made him the first pick in the 2026 draft, but they also underscored the tension around his role. The Mavericks are built to win now, and that reality has prompted some veterans to urge caution.

Tim Hardaway, a five-time All-Star with 13 NBA seasons behind him, said the franchise must allow for mistakes even as it chases a title.

“That’s something they have to figure out as a team, as a coach, you have to figure out his growth play,” Hardaway told Action Network. “You gotta figure out his mistakes.”

Hardaway added that managing confidence is critical.

“You can’t beat him down. You have to keep his confidence level up because you don’t need that guy,” he said. “He’s fragile. The kid is fragile. He is coming into a situation where they wanna win. Right now.”

Flagg, for his part, has projected humility and patience. On draft night, he called the moment a dream come true and stressed his determination to approach the season with gratitude.

“It’s incredible to be here. This is stuff I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid,” Flagg said. “I’m just trying to go through each moment and just enjoy it. For me, it’s just about being grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given, no matter the outcome.”

Asked about pressure, he brushed off the idea.

“I wouldn’t look at anything as pressure,” Flagg said. “Whatever situation I go into, I’m just going to try to be myself all the time and push myself to get better every single day.”

Head coach Jason Kidd has already outlined a development plan that may test Flagg’s limits early. Kidd said he intends to give the rookie reps as a point guard, pushing him into uncomfortable spots where he can learn through trial and error.

“I want to put him at point guard. I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts,” Kidd said. “Being able to run the show, play the 2, play the 3… It’s all right to fail. It’s all right to turn the ball over.”

Flagg welcomed the challenge, saying he is eager to handle the ball and embrace positionless basketball.

“I’m looking forward to it. Coach Kidd talked about trusting me, letting me handle it,” Flagg said. “I think it’s something I can do at a high level, so I’m excited to experiment and try some new things.”

The Mavericks’ roster, anchored by Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, ensures that Flagg won’t be asked to carry the franchise the way LeBron James once did as a rookie in Cleveland. But with expectations surrounding him already sky-high, Hardaway’s warning serves as a reminder that even the most heralded prospects need room to stumble before they shine.