The Dallas Mavericks got embarrassed by the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener on October 22nd. The Mavericks lost 125-92, and Victor Wembanyama scored an easy 40 points. Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, posted only ten points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Flagg was touted as an elite player entering the league, and one disappointing contest is no reason to panic. Besides, no one expected him to be able to go toe to toe with Wembanyama.
However, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks are not putting him in a position to succeed. To see a blueprint of what not to do, the Mavs should turn to their in-state rivals.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives around Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs during a game at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Spurs Made Same Mistake as Dallas Mavericks
In Flagg’s debut, the Mavericks started him, Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II. As a rookie forward, Flagg was tasked with running the offense and playing point guard.
He would finish with three turnovers and zero assists, joining Carter Bryant as the only non-garbage time player to fail to record a single dime.
This is supposed to be the point guard.
Flagg is a great player. He should blossom into an elite talent. However, he is not a point guard. He can pass and facilitate, but he should not be counted on as the sole passer and facilitator. D’Angelo Russell is a proven veteran guard who can handle that responsibility. “Point-forward,” in the true sense, rarely works out.
In the 2023-24 season, the Spurs tried the same thing with Jeremy Sochan. Then in his second season, he was a do-all defender who could slash and play in the paint on offense. He was a solid secondary facilitator, and the Spurs wanted him to take the leap.
In 33 games with Sochan running point, the Spurs went a pathetic 5-28 to start Victor Wembanyama’s career. Sochan never blossomed as a floor general, and his valuable developmental minutes were squandered in a fruitless project.
Dallas Mavericks Need to Get Cooper Flagg a PG
Between Flagg, Davis, Washington, Thompson, and Lively II, the Mavericks have an excellent starting five despite their poor showing against the Spurs.
However, there is no balance. Either one of the centers or one of the wings needs to be relegated to the bench in favor of a point guard.
With Kyrie Irving out, the Mavericks’ best option is Russell. If Kidd, for whatever reason, doesn’t have faith in Russell, then the Mavericks need to conduct a trade to bring in a veteran facilitator.
That seems unlikely, given that Dallas pursued Russell in free agency. Had they thought there were better options out there, they would have targeted them instead.
As long as Flagg is the main ball handler, the Mavericks will be relegated to mediocrity, no matter how much talent they have. Take it from the Spurs. It would be best to cut their losses.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dallas Mavericks to Make Same Mistake As San Antonio Spurs appeared first on Heavy Sports.