Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd dropped a bombshell at rookie Cooper Flagg’s introductory press conference, announcing plans to deploy the No. 1 overall pick as a point guard. The versatile Duke product, known for his two-way dominance, is set to make waves in Dallas.
Kidd, a former point guard himself, sees Flagg as a potential floor general. “I want to put him at the point guard,” Kidd said. “I wanna make him uncomfortable, see how he reacts—being able to run the show.”
Flagg, the 2025 NBA Draft’s top selection, averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists at Duke. His ability to handle the ball impressed Kidd, who wants to maximize Flagg’s playmaking.
“I think it’s a versatile position, doing a lot of different things,” Flagg said when asked about his role. “We can play a really good brand of positionless basketball.”
The Mavericks, coming off a 39-43 season and a Play-In Tournament loss, view Flagg as a cornerstone. General Manager Nico Harrison called him “the future of the franchise” while noting his immediate impact on a win-now roster.
The 18-year-old is eager to learn from veterans like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis. “It’s just gonna be an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow under them,” Flagg said.
Kidd’s experience with young stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo informs his approach. “It’s all right to fail. It’s all right to turn the ball over,” Kidd said.
Flagg’s Summer League debut against the Lakers will test Kidd’s vision. “I’m planning on playing,” Flagg confirmed, though no detailed plan has been set.
The rookie’s versatility extends beyond the court. A golf enthusiast with a 13–14 handicap, Flagg is excited to explore Dallas’s barbecue and Mexican food scene. “I love Mexican, I love barbecue,” he said.
Flagg’s connection to Dallas runs deep. A childhood friend, a diehard Mavericks fan, gifted him a team shirt at age 13. “I just put it on and went for my workout,” Flagg recalled.
His Duke experience prepared him for the NBA spotlight. “Being able to go to Duke and be in that spotlight, it’s kind of good preparation,” Flagg said, crediting the NIL era’s intensity.
Kidd’s bold strategy could redefine Flagg’s role. “He can handle the ball,” Kidd said. “It just makes the game simple and easy.”
Flagg’s competitiveness, fostered by driveway battles with his twin brother, drives him. “I play to win, play to compete,” he said, aiming to impact winning at a high level.
As Flagg steps into the NBA, Kidd’s point guard experiment could shape Dallas’s future. “I’m just excited to bring my game to the table,” Flagg said, ready for the challenge.
