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Mavericks Set Cooper Flagg for Point-Forward Debut in Opener

Dallas is preparing to start the 18-year-old as a point forward due to Kyrie Irving’s long ACL recovery.

Overview

  • Head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg will function as a point forward even if he is listed at point guard on the lineup card.
  • Dallas is weighing a bigger opening-night lineup featuring Klay Thompson, Flagg, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively, which could push D’Angelo Russell to a reserve role.
  • Preseason usage tracked by ESPN showed Flagg bringing the ball up 26 times, and he started late exhibitions, including a 13-point, three-assist outing against the Lakers.
  • Irving is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL recovery, leaving Russell as the only proven primary ball-handler and prompting public concern about backcourt depth.
  • Former executive John Hollinger has urged Dallas to explore in-season trades, potentially leveraging frontcourt pieces like Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington to add guards or true wings.