The Dallas Mavericks are set to become one of the most-watched teams during the 2025-2026 regular season for a handful of reasons. Whether it’s a full season of Anthony Davis or seeing how the bench unit performs, the biggest spotlight belongs to their 2025 first-round pick, Cooper Flagg.
Flagg’s highly anticipated debut in the big leagues is finally here, and there hasn’t been this much hype surrounding a number-one overall pick since Zion Williamson in 2019. Considered the saving grace of the Mavericks organization after Nico Harrison traded away Luka Dončić last season, Flagg has quite the shoes to fill—and head coach Jason Kidd is wasting no time. Kidd announced that Flagg will start their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs as the team’s starting point guard.
The 6’9” “Maine Event” is no stranger to being a team’s primary ball-handler, having taken on that role during his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils under head coach Jon Scheyer. Flagg’s dominance with the ball was a driving force behind Duke’s 35-4 record last season, as he led the team in points, rebounds, and assists. After flashing his all-around game during the NBA Summer League and preseason, Kidd shows no signs of changing Flagg’s role.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise, considering Dallas acquired D’Angelo Russell during the offseason as the projected starting point guard until Kyrie Irving returns from injury. Russell spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 12.6 points and 5.1 assists across 25.5 minutes per game. Widely criticized for his defense under Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Russell is simply looking to make an impact in whatever role he’s assigned.
“Just be a basketball player whenever I get in the game. It just comes down to winning and finishing the game. However I can help finish the game and always impact winning is my goal.”
Russell will presumably come off the bench for Dallas, giving the Mavericks added flexibility if Flagg’s point guard duties go up in flames. If all goes well, Jason Kidd will continue to prove he’s one of the smartest head coaches the league has to offer. If not, Flagg could potentially lose his primary ball-handler responsibilities—or worse, his spot in the starting lineup.