Here’s a bold statement: the Dallas Mavericks’ decision about Cooper Flagg’s role as starting point guard could redefine their season—and it’s far from settled. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite Flagg’s impressive preseason performance, Coach Jason Kidd remains noncommittal about locking the 18-year-old rookie into that position for the season opener. Why? Let’s dive in.
In the Mavs’ recent 121-94 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg showcased his versatility, shifting from his college forward role at Duke to point guard. Standing at 6-foot-8, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in two starts, sharing the court with a towering lineup including Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Kidd praised Flagg’s ability to run the team, noting that his teammates genuinely enjoy playing under his leadership. And this is the part most people miss: while Flagg’s adaptability is undeniable, Kidd hinted that the rookie still needs to refine his playmaking instincts, like tracking shot selection and game flow—something that comes with experience.
However, the Mavs’ offense faced early stagnation in Wednesday’s game, with the Lakers jumping to a 22-10 lead before Flagg was subbed out. Spacing issues and a lack of perimeter shooting were evident, as the starters shot a mere 3-of-15 from three-point range. Flagg himself acknowledged room for improvement, citing mental lapses and defensive adjustments needed to counter hot-handed opponents like Gabe Vincent, who torched the Mavs early with 18 points and five quick threes.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Flagg ready to lead a supersized starting lineup in the NBA’s high-pressure environment, or is it too soon to hand him the keys? Kidd’s cautious approach suggests he’s weighing the risks of rushing a rookie versus the potential rewards of his unique skill set. Flagg’s competitiveness and willingness to learn are undeniable, but the NBA’s pick-and-roll mastery is no small challenge, especially for a player still adjusting to the pro game.
As the Mavs fine-tune their strategy, one thing’s clear: Flagg’s role remains a fascinating experiment. Will he start the season at point guard, or will Kidd opt for a more seasoned option like D’Angelo Russell? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
