{"id":3580,"date":"2025-07-15T10:07:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/jason-kidd-teases-major-rookie-role-for-cooper-flagg-with-mavericks\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T10:08:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T14:08:03","slug":"jason-kidd-teases-major-rookie-role-for-cooper-flagg-with-mavericks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/jason-kidd-teases-major-rookie-role-for-cooper-flagg-with-mavericks\/","title":{"rendered":"Jason Kidd Teases Major Rookie Role for Cooper Flagg with Mavericks!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Dallas Mavericks, despite securing the top draft pick for 2025, are not in a rebuilding phase. They aim to be competitive immediately, welcoming rookie Cooper Flagg to a star-studded roster that includes Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving, among others.<\/p>\n

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Kyrie Irving’s participation in the 2025-26 season remains uncertain due to his recovery from a torn ACL he sustained in March. D’Angelo Russell, who was recently signed, is expected to take Irving’s place temporarily. Meanwhile, Flagg is likely to see significant time controlling the play as he adjusts to the professional level.<\/p>\n

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In a halftime interview during Flagg\u2019s first Summer League game against the Lakers, ESPN\u2019s Malika Andrews spoke with Dallas coach Jason Kidd about the rookie\u2019s role and the potential emergence of “Point Coop” in Irving\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

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“With Cooper\u2019s skills in handling, shooting, and passing, you definitely want him directing the plays,” said Kidd. “He\u2019s shown great decision-making abilities at Duke and in high school, which you’ll see tonight. Sure, he\u2019ll make some errors\u2014we all have, even throwing the ball into the stands occasionally. But his composure at just 18 years old is remarkable.”<\/p>\n

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“His composure as an 18-year-old is incredible.”@malika_andrews<\/a> gets Jason Kidd’s first impressions of Cooper Flagg in his summer league debut pic.twitter.com\/E7KW6LwCLb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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As of this report, Flagg has played the most minutes in Thursday’s game, totaling 26. Andrews commented on his extensive playtime to Coach Kidd, who expressed his satisfaction with Flagg\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

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“Cooper has been outstanding with all the minutes he’s had. He’s been managing the ball well, setting up his teammates for open shots, and has made some impressive finishes. You can really see his potential in this league,” Kidd noted.<\/p>\n

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Flagg experienced a mixed performance tonight, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds, shooting 5 for 19, and missing all five attempts from beyond the arc. However, his first NBA bucket, a powerful dunk following a steal, is likely to be the memorable highlight of the evening.<\/p>\n

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More NBA Coverage on Sports Illustrated<\/h3>\n

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