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Kidd Explains Why Mavericks Are Playing Cooper Flagg at Point Guard

Kidd frames the rookie’s on-ball reps as purposeful preparation for playoff pressure.

Overview

  • Jason Kidd said Flagg’s point-guard assignment stems from the team’s health situation and a plan to harden his ball-handling for April pressure.
  • With Kyrie Irving rehabbing a torn ACL and other rotation knocks, Dallas has leaned on the 18-year-old to initiate offense.
  • Through six games, Flagg is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists with subpar efficiency, including about 41% from the field and one make per 3.5 three-point attempts.
  • After the Mexico City game, Flagg said the high altitude made breathing difficult, noting he still logged 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists on 3-for-14 shooting.
  • Dallas’ offense has sputtered to start the season, ranking bottom-five in three-point volume and accuracy with a league-worst 104.5 offensive rating.