Cooper Flagg at Point Guard? Mark Cuban and Jason Kidd Are All In - And So Far, It’s Working
When the Dallas Mavericks took Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, eyebrows were raised - not because of his talent, but because of how they planned to use it. Flagg, a 6'8" forward with elite instincts and two-way potential, wasn’t exactly known for running an offense during his lone season at Duke. In fact, he spent most of his time off the ball, operating as a dynamic wing and secondary playmaker.
But in Dallas? He’s the point guard.
Yes, you read that right. Jason Kidd handed the keys to the offense to a rookie forward - and Mark Cuban couldn’t be more supportive.
Cuban, never one to shy away from a bold move, revealed on social media that he was fully behind Kidd’s decision from the jump. “JKidd did the exact right thing playing Coop at PG,” he posted, referencing a text he sent to Kidd back in June. “Point guard, point guard, point guard… let him bring the ball up.”
That vision - seeing Flagg not just as a forward, but as a point-forward with full control of the offense - has shaped the Mavericks’ identity this season. And while it’s unconventional, it’s also starting to look like a stroke of genius.
Jason Kidd Isn’t Backing Down
Kidd has taken some heat for the move, especially early in the season when Flagg was still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NBA. But the former All-Star point guard and championship-winning floor general isn’t losing sleep over outside opinions.
“I don’t give a fk about the criticism,” Kidd said bluntly. “You guys write that bullst.
I’ve done this. I’ve played this game at a very high level.
And I know what the f**k I’m doing.”
That’s not just bravado - it’s belief. Kidd sees something in Flagg that others might’ve missed: the ability to process the game like a guard, even if he doesn’t fit the traditional mold. And so far, the rookie’s production is backing it up.
Flagg’s Numbers Tell the Story
Through his first season, Flagg is averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game - strong numbers for any rookie, let alone one tasked with running the offense. But beyond the box score, it’s the way he’s handling the responsibility that stands out.
He’s poised. He’s unselfish.
And he’s growing into a leadership role faster than most expected.
This isn’t just about stats - it’s about presence. Flagg is learning how to control tempo, initiate sets, and read defenses in real time. He’s becoming the kind of player who can bend a defense before even putting the ball on the floor.
And that’s exactly what Cuban envisioned.
Cuban Saw the Vision Early
Even before the season tipped off, Cuban was vocal about Flagg’s versatility and potential to be more than just a scorer or defender. On the “DLLS Mavs” podcast in August 2025, he laid it out clearly.
“Other than maybe improving his 3-point shooting, what can’t he do?” Cuban said.
“When you have a jack-of-all-trades like that, that also has a motor and has toughness to them, and is a worker and is 18 years old… I mean, is he going to come in and score 30 a game? No.
But I think J-Kidd will put the reins on him slowly.”
That’s exactly what’s happened. Kidd didn’t throw Flagg into the fire with the expectation of instant dominance. Instead, he’s letting the rookie grow into the role - and that patience is paying off.
Flagg’s Growth as a Leader
By December, Flagg himself acknowledged how playing point guard has accelerated his development. It’s not just about touches or stats - it’s about understanding the game from a different angle.
Being the primary ball-handler has forced Flagg to become more vocal, more aware, and more confident. He’s learning how to lead, not just play. And for a teenager adjusting to the NBA spotlight, that’s no small feat.
The Bigger Picture
The Mavericks didn’t just draft a talented forward - they drafted a franchise cornerstone and handed him the keys to the offense. That’s a bold move in any era, especially when the player in question is 18 years old and still learning the ropes.
But Cuban and Kidd are betting on Flagg’s basketball IQ, work ethic, and versatility. And so far, that bet looks like it’s paying off.
It’s not conventional. It’s not safe. But it might just be brilliant.
Cooper Flagg at point guard? The Mavericks are making it work - and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.