Dallas Mavericks Entrust Rookie Cooper Flagg with Starting Point Guard Role

The Dallas Mavericks are making a bold move this season by putting their faith in rookie forward Cooper Flagg, setting him up as the starting point guard. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, there's no gradual introduction for Flagg, who will heavily influence the game with the ball in his hands.

Flagg, who averaged 4.2 assists per game during his single college season at Duke, is expected to take on significant responsibilities right from the start. The Mavs' decision comes at a time when they need his playmaking skills, especially with star player Kyrie Irving sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL.

The Mavericks are anticipated to field a starting lineup that includes Flagg, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. This lineup is designed to maximize length and athleticism, aiming to establish a strong defensive presence on the court. D'Angelo Russell is likely to serve as a backup point guard, providing depth without compromising the team's defensive identity.

Head coach Jason Kidd has emphasized the need for the Mavericks to find their team identity, particularly focusing on becoming one of the best defensive teams in the league. He believes Flagg's ability to handle playmaking duties is crucial to achieving that goal.

“I thought he could do those things. I’ve been around different players in this league at different coaching spots that I gave the ball to because I felt that they could be successful with it, so I felt the same about Cooper,” Kidd noted. Flagg has shown promise in his playmaking abilities at Duke, and the team is ready to elevate those skills to the NBA level.

As the Mavericks prepare for their first test against the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, all eyes will be on Flagg to see how he navigates his pivotal role on the court.