Overview
- ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said the Mavericks have discussed opening the season with rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard, though others on the podcast cautioned it would be surprising.
- Marc Stein suggested Dallas will test a look with Flagg at shooting guard and P.J. Washington at small forward as part of larger lineup experiments.
- D’Angelo Russell is positioned in recent analysis as the likely primary ball‑handler to start the season while Irving continues ACL recovery.
- Klay Thompson’s starting role has been referenced in these scenarios, with insiders noting the team has weighed configurations that could move him to the bench.
- Coverage characterizes these options as coaching evaluations rather than finalized decisions ahead of the Oct. 22 opener against San Antonio.