Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Evaluates Rookie Flagg’s Role at PG

UPDATE: Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has praised rookie Cooper Flagg for his impressive performance as starting point guard during the team’s final preseason games, but he remains noncommittal about keeping Flagg in that role as the season approaches. Following a decisive 121-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena, Kidd acknowledged the need for further evaluation.

In an electrifying matchup on October 25, 2023, Flagg, who stands at 6-foot-8, transitioned to point guard after initially playing forward in his first two preseason games. He averaged 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in his two games at point guard, showcasing his versatility alongside teammates like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington.

Kidd stated, “There’s a lot of good, positive stories here, and so we have some time to make a decision.” Despite Flagg’s strong showing, concerns about the Mavericks’ offensive structure lingered, particularly after a slow start that saw the Lakers surge to a 22-10 lead early in the game.

While Flagg’s performance has garnered attention, Kidd pointed out that the Mavericks’ lineup struggled with spacing and shooting, hitting only 3-of-15 from three-point range against Los Angeles. “He’s got to keep an index of who got shots, what was the last shot, and that’ll come with reps,” Kidd added, emphasizing the learning curve Flagg faces.

“Just continuing to get comfortable,” Flagg noted. “I made some mental lapses today, time and score situations. Got to know [and] be aware of what’s on the clock at all times.”

Flagg’s defensive challenges were evident as he faced off against Gabe Vincent, who scored 18 points and drained five three-pointers within the first four minutes. Kidd expressed confidence in Flagg’s competitive spirit, stating, “With his competitiveness, he’s going to figure it out sooner than later.”

The Mavericks now face a critical decision as they prepare for the regular season. Will they stick with the promising but inexperienced rookie at point guard? As the team gears up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any updates on Flagg’s future role. Stay tuned for the latest developments from the Mavericks as they finalize their lineup ahead of opening night.