Dallas Basketball

Jason Kidd gives Cooper Flagg, Giannis Antetokounmpo statement

The Mavericks head coach has similar development patterns in mind for the two stars.
Keenan Womack|
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (left) looks on with head coach Jason Kidd (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (left) looks on with head coach Jason Kidd (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks made a franchise-shaping move on Wednesday night in their selection of Duke superstar Cooper Flagg with the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a move that can define the next era of Mavericks basketball as they move on from Luka Doncic.

A defensive-minded, highly talented athlete, Flagg has drawn comparisons to several other two-way stars, including Kevin Garnett, Scottie Pippen, and Kawhi Leonard. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has experience with elite prospects, most notably in Milwaukee with future Hall-of-Famer and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.

READ MORE: Nico Harrison reveals first impression of Cooper Flagg

In fact, Kidd said in Flagg's introductory press conference that he will challenge Flagg the same way he did Antetokounmpo – by playing him at the lead guard spot as a means of readying him for the NBA game: "I want to put him at point guard, make him uncomfortable...I'm excited about giving him the ball against the Lakers and [seeing] what happens."

Kidd did the same thing with Giannis Antetokounmpo when he was the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Letting him run the show was a big part of Antetokounmpo's development and why he turned into a two-time MVP.

Clearly, Kidd believes in Flagg's capabilities, but wants to push the young star by putting him in unfamiliar situations. Playing the rookie out of position can give him the opportunity to learn how to play make better, something that he flashed at Duke despite being off ball a good portion of possessions.

READ MORE: Jason Kidd reveals bold Mavericks plan for Cooper Flagg

Flagg was the National Player of the Year at Duke last year, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 stocks per game on 48% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. He helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four at last year's NCAA Tournament, and has been a dominant force at every level of basketball since his freshman season of high school.

Whether he has natural point guard instincts has yet to be seen, but one thing is for certain: if anyone can adapt to multiple positions on the floor, it's Cooper Flagg.

READ MORE: NBA makes Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, Lakers' Bronny James announcement

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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