Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reflected on the 2025-26 campaign in his end-of-season interview on Monday, delivering a wide-ranging assessment that centered on health issues, roster continuity, and the emergence of rookie forward Cooper Flagg.
Kidd opened by addressing supporters directly, stating, “Just thanks. Thank you to everyone. It wasn’t the year that we wanted, but there’s a lot of positive things that are happening here.”
He also pointed toward the offseason as a key turning point for the franchise. “I’m really excited about this summer and getting started come May,” Kidd said. “So thank you guys again for the support, and we look forward to doing bigger and better things next season.”
One of the most discussed moments of the season for Dallas came during the NBA draft lottery process, which Kidd described as a defining organizational shift.
“I would probably start – on the lottery. I think that was probably the most exciting thing that has happened maybe since 2011 when we won the championship to be able to get the number one pick and then to be able to get Cooper Flagg,” Kidd said.
Kidd also emphasized Flagg’s early influence on the franchise, pointing to both performance and off-court development. “Cooper’s an incredible young man, not just on the court but off the court,” Kidd stated.
Health issues remained a central theme throughout his remarks, with Kidd repeatedly pointing to availability as a limiting factor. “Our health… is something that has been a problem here for the last couple years,” he said.
He added, “We have to have guys in uniform,” referencing injuries to key contributors, while noting, “those are two big pieces for us… but that also gave others the opportunity.”
Among those opportunities, Kidd highlighted younger players stepping into expanded roles. “Moussa, Ryan. Our younger players, I want to tip my hat to those guys because they came to work every day,” he said.
Rookie guard Ryan Nembhard also earned praise after setting a franchise mark. Kidd reacted with humor and approval, saying, “Damn, I was trying to sub him out if he got to 24. No, I’m joking… that’s awesome.”
On Nembhard’s development, Kidd added, “He just continued to come to work every day and got better… he belongs in this league, and we’re happy that we got him.”
Kidd concluded his reflections by focusing on Flagg’s trajectory and long-term expectations. “He was challenged and he responded… you got to watch someone grow in front of your own eyes on a daily basis,” Kidd said.
He also stated, “I do believe that he should win Rookie of the Year because of what he has done on the court and off the court.”
Looking ahead, Kidd pointed to continuity and health as the foundation for future progress. “We have something that is being built here, and we have a great centerpiece in Cooper Flag,” he said.
