Mavericks Turn to Cooper Flagg at Point Guard Amid Injury Woes and Early Struggles

The Dallas Mavericks have entered the new NBA season with high expectations but inconsistent results. Despite boasting a talented roster, injuries and early-season adjustments have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Kyrie Irving’s extended absence, combined with nagging issues for Anthony Davis, Dante Exum, and Derrick Lively II, has left the Mavericks short-handed in crucial positions.

In response, head coach Jason Kidd has made a bold tactical shift, moving rookie sensation Cooper Flagg into the point guard role. The decision, unconventional for a player best known as a two-way forward, underscores Dallas’ need for stability in ball-handling and playmaking.

During a recent media session, Kidd elaborated on the reasoning behind the switch. “There’s a couple of things behind him playing [point guard],” he said. “One is our health. The other part of handling the ball is being able to handle the pressure when April comes around and you’re playing for something greater.”

The adjustment represents a significant test for both Kidd’s adaptability and Flagg’s versatility — two factors that will shape how far Dallas can go this season in a competitive Western Conference.

1. Flagg’s Transition to the Point Guard Role

Cooper Flagg’s transition from forward to point guard has been one of the more intriguing early-season experiments in the NBA. Known for his athleticism, high basketball IQ, and two-way potential, Flagg entered the league with expectations of being an impactful wing player. Yet Kidd’s decision has challenged the 18-year-old to expand his role beyond scoring and defending. Flagg’s size and court vision have made him a capable passer, though the adjustment to initiating the offense has not come without growing pains. “Making him uncomfortable” appears to be part of Kidd’s plan — a deliberate move to accelerate Flagg’s development under pressure, as the coach hinted during the preseason. While Dallas has alternative ball-handlers like D’Angelo Russell and Max Christie, Kidd seems determined to keep the offense in Flagg’s hands for now. The goal, according to team insiders, is to build his confidence and leadership early in his career while deepening the roster’s long-term flexibility. The experiment remains a work in progress, but Flagg’s composure and willingness to learn have drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike, even amid inconsistent team results.

2. Shooting Woes Deepen Mavericks’ Early Struggles

Despite flashes of promise, the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency has been a growing concern. Through the first several games, Dallas ranks in the bottom five across the league in three-point attempts, makes, and overall accuracy. Their offensive rating of 104.5 currently sits last among all NBA teams — a startling statistic for a roster built around perimeter firepower. Flagg’s insertion at point guard has provided moments of creativity, but the team’s broader issues — poor spacing, cold shooting, and frequent lineup changes — have kept the offense from finding its rhythm. Injuries to key scorers like Irving and Lively have compounded the problem, leaving Kidd searching for answers on how to generate reliable scoring. Flagg, meanwhile, has held his own statistically. He is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists per game while playing over 32 minutes per contest. However, both his efficiency and shot selection reflect the learning curve typical of a rookie adjusting to NBA pace and physicality. The Mavericks’ struggles are not solely on the young forward’s shoulders, but Flagg’s development as a playmaker could prove central to their ability to climb out of the league’s offensive basement in the coming weeks.

3. Kidd’s Long-Term Vision and Flagg’s Development

Jason Kidd’s decision to place Flagg in such a demanding role appears to be a calculated investment in the team’s future. The Mavericks view the rookie as a potential cornerstone — someone capable of evolving into a multi-positional leader who can dictate tempo and manage pressure in big moments. By forcing Flagg to learn the nuances of NBA playmaking early, Kidd hopes to accelerate both his growth and the team’s adaptability. “He’s learning how to read defenses, how to stay patient, and how to make the right decision when the game speeds up,” one assistant coach said following a recent practice. Still, Kidd’s approach carries short-term risks. The Mavericks’ current inconsistencies on offense, coupled with their defensive lapses, have left them struggling to find balance. For Flagg, every possession has become both a teaching moment and a test of composure. If Dallas can regain its health and rediscover its shooting touch, Flagg’s temporary role as point guard could ultimately strengthen the team’s depth and resilience heading into the later stages of the season.