The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025–26 season with one of the deepest rosters in the league, expected to contend in a loaded Western Conference. This marks the first full season with the team’s new core, and expectations will be high for Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, as he begins his rookie campaign.
The 18-year-old Duke standout played one season in college, averaging 30.7 minutes, 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. Flagg’s versatility and impact on both ends of the floor will be expected to be showcased right from the jump.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32)Candice Ward-Imagn Images
As Flagg prepares for his first season in the NBA, the Mavericks recently decided to experiment with his versatility by placing him at point guard in the final two preseason games against the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists across those two starts.
With the Mavericks set to open the season Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, head coach Jason Kidd was asked whether Flagg would start at point guard and if the team is comfortable with him in that role. “I think from Summer League to preseason, he’s done a great job running the team and playing that position. We’re all comfortable with him doing that, so we’ll see what happens on opening night,” Kidd said (h/t Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Mavs).
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Flagg’s deployment at point guard stems from both necessity and opportunity. With Kyrie Irving still sidelined due to a torn ACL, the Mavericks are thin at the position and have leaned into their surplus of size with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively anchoring the frontcourt. Kidd wanted to test a supersized lineup and saw Flagg’s advanced court vision and poise as a potential solution. The rookie has shown a natural feel for initiating offense and managing the pace.
Meanwhile, point guard D’Angelo Russell’s role remains uncertain, as his defensive limitations have raised questions about his fit in closing lineups. Flagg’s versatility gives Dallas a unique option to run the offense through a bigger, more defensively capable unit while still maintaining playmaking.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.