Kidd Doesn’t Guarantee Flagg as Mavericks’ Starting Base: NBA Analysis

Jason Kidd Praises Cooper Flagg, But Doesn’t Confirm Starting Role

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has expressed his satisfaction with Cooper Flagg’s performance as the starting point guard in the last two preseason games. However, Kidd has not confirmed that the 18-year-old rookie will start the regular season in that position, despite the good impression he has made.

“There are many positive things here, and we have time to make a decision,” Kidd commented after the Mavs’ 121-94 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at the T-Mobile Arena.

Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks Coach

Flagg, who is 6 feet 8 inches tall, was moved to the point guard position after playing as a forward in the first two preseason games. During his two games as a starting point guard, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, playing alongside Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II.

“He has to keep track of who shoots, what the last shot was, and that will come with repetitions,” Kidd said, who started the offseason free agency with D’Angelo Russell as the point guard in the first two preseason games for the Mavs. “But I think [Flagg] has done an incredible job of handling the situation of running the team. And the other thing that I think is going unnoticed is that his teammates like him running the team.”

Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks Coach

Kidd also noted that the Mavs’ offense was too static early in Wednesday’s game, when the Lakers took a 22-10 lead before Flagg came out in the first quarter. There are concerns about spacing with that lineup due to the relative lack of playmaking and perimeter shooting, as the Mavs’ starters made 3 of 15 three-point attempts against the Lakers.

“Just keep feeling comfortable,” Flagg said. “I had some mental lapses today, time and score situations. I have to know [and] be aware of what’s on the clock at all times. I just have to stay more locked in [defensively]. I can’t let a hot player keep getting looks. So some of those things can definitely be improved.”

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks Player

Flagg, this year’s first draft pick, struggled early in Wednesday’s game defending Gabe Vincent, who scored 18 points and made five three-pointers in the first 4 minutes and 9 seconds. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 6-4, 6-2, or 6-8, when you’re in a pick-and-roll in this league against guys who know how to run the pick-and-roll, it’s difficult,” Kidd said. “It becomes a two-man game, and we’ll get better at that. But [with] his competitiveness, he’ll figure it out sooner rather than later, and the more he’s in these situations, I think he’ll benefit in the long run.”