Mavericks' Jason Kidd Defends Rookie Point Guard Experiment

Mavs coach lashes out at media criticism of starting Cooper Flagg at point guard

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:31am

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd fiercely defended his decision to make rookie Cooper Flagg the team's starting point guard, despite initial criticism from the media. Kidd pointed to his own playing experience and track record of developing players as justification for the unorthodox move, which has paid off as Flagg has grown into the role over the past two months.

Why it matters

Kidd's decision to start the rookie Flagg at point guard was a bold and risky move that went against conventional wisdom, but it speaks to Kidd's confidence in his own coaching abilities and vision for developing young talent. The Mavericks' turnaround this season after a dismal start also validates Kidd's approach.

The details

When the Mavericks made Cooper Flagg, a rookie who had not previously played point guard, their starting point guard at the start of the season, the move was heavily criticized by the media. However, Flagg has since developed into a solid ball-handler and floor general, helping the Mavericks recover from their early struggles and make a push for the Play-In Tournament. Kidd, who has a history of making similar developmental moves like he did with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, fiercely defended his decision and lashed out at the media's "criticism" of his coaching choices.

  • At the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, the Mavericks made Cooper Flagg their starting point guard.
  • Over the past two months, Flagg has averaged around 22 points and 4.6 assists per game.

The players

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who has a history of making bold player development decisions.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie who the Mavericks made their starting point guard at the beginning of the season, despite him not having prior experience at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls—. That's not — I've done this. I've played this game. I played it. I know what the f— I'm doing. I don't give a f— what you guys write because you guys have never played the game. I build players, so I know what the f— I'm doing. So if I take criticism, it only makes me better, because if I wasn't doing it right, you guys wouldn't be poking holes in what I've done.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will continue to rely on the development of Cooper Flagg as their starting point guard as they push for a Play-In Tournament berth.

The takeaway

Jason Kidd's bold decision to make Cooper Flagg the Mavericks' starting point guard, despite initial criticism, has paid off as the rookie has grown into the role. Kidd's confidence in his own coaching abilities and track record of developing young talent has been validated by the team's turnaround this season.