The Dallas Mavericks have sunk to the bottom of the Western Conference less than two years after making the NBA Finals. The organization appears headed towards a rebuild around this year’s first overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
Flagg started his NBA career at a unique position: point guard. The results weren’t ideal, and now Flagg is speaking out as he heads back to his more natural position on the wing.
What Did Cooper Flagg Say About His Time As Mavericks’ Point Guard?
Flagg reflected on time as a point guard while speaking to the media. Flagg said, “It’s a lot of pressure & a lot of responsibility that comes with being a point guard. I don’t know if I was ready for that or if I was ready to handle that right off the bat. I tried my best & that’s not to say I can’t go back to it.” Flagg added, “I think it’s just better to have somebody else help and relieve pressure.”.
Flagg is averaging 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. He’s shooting 42.4% from the field and 28.6% from three. While Flagg’s 1.43 assist-to-turnover ratio isn’t horrible, it’s less than ideal for a starting point guard. At 6’9, Flagg can see over the top of most defenses, but has trouble making reads, especially when the defense collapses on him.
Perhaps moving Flagg back to his natural position on the wing will help him soar. He had 16 points in the Mavs’ recent 133-127 double overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He shot an efficient 8-13 from the field, but had no assists and four turnovers.
Cooper Flagg is destined for greatness 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Kzko6iLB39
— Playoff Flagg (@PlayoffFlagg_) November 15, 2025
Mavs Head Coach Jason Kidd likes putting the ball in the hands of his young stars, a strategy dating back to his time coaching the Milwaukee Bucks, when he put Giannis Antetokounmpo at point guard to see how he would respond. Kidd is moving on for now, as undrafted fourth-year guard Brandon Williams appears to be the team’s starting point guard moving forward.
Williams is averaging 10.5 points per game. He isn’t a threat from distance, but he’s a good defensive player. Former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell is another option, but Kidd seems more comfortable using him as a sixth man.
The future of nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving requires long-term consideration. Irving remains out indefinitely after suffering a torn ACL. However, with the Mavs rumored to be planning a rebuild and Irving in the first year of his latest extension, he could be on the trade block next summer.
There are plenty of questions regarding the future of the Mavericks’ point guard position, but the team is focused on maximizing their investment in Flagg.
