The Dallas Mavericks are Anthony Davis’ team, at least for now. After the front office traded Luka Doncic for Davis, going all-in on Cooper Flagg would signal to the fanbase that the trade was ill-fated. Even though fans can plainly see that, the Mavericks don’t want to admit it.
Flagg is a generational talent who is being used all wrong by Jason Kidd and his team. Of course, that may be intentional, but the fact of the matter is the Mavericks entered the season as title contenders.
After starting the season with losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards, it’s clear that any Finals hopes were nothing more than a delusion. In order to maximize Flagg and the future, Dallas might have to give Davis a lesser role.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 26: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a score with Anthony Davis #3 during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on October 26, 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)
Anthony Davis Is Slowing Down Cooper Flagg
At Davis’s insistence, he is playing power forward. Dereck Lively II, meanwhile, has started at center.
Flagg remains the starting “point guard,” although his paltry 3.3 assists per game suggest he is not the facilitator Kidd would want him to be. With Flagg surrounded by two non-shooting big men, the lane is clogged, limiting his creation.
“Literally, AD is in the way whenever Cooper Flagg is trying to get his game off, trying to get to the room, trying to drive,” outlined Tim Cato on the All NBA Podcast. “You’ve got one shooter in that mix, which is Klay Thompson, and Klay Thompson has had a very rough start to the season as well. That’s somebody where it looks like age is definitely catching up to them. And then you think just like AD is also in the way, just because like this ideal lineup would have probably Cooper Flagg at the four, or maybe he’s at the three.”
Regardless of which forward position Flagg should be playing, it’s clear that he is not a point guard. Davis might not want to play center, and for now, it’s still his team, but in order to move forward, the Mavericks need to open up room for Flagg to operate.
Having two centers share the court is not a recipe for Flagg’s success.
Dallas Mavericks’ Situation Could Be Much Worse
Despite playing out of position and in a sub-optimal lineup, Cooper Flagg is a very good player. The Mavericks have a bright future, provided that he gets a chance to be the centerpiece.
With fan faith in the front office at an all-time low, it’s easy to imagine Nico Harrison making a move to support Davis rather than Flagg. The first overall pick is the only silver lining Mavericks’ fans have had in a year, and it seems that the front office is unable to see Flagg as the franchise blessing that he is.
“Nico Harrison thought this team was going to work without Cooper Flagg,” Cato added. “Imagine how bad it would be before the 1.8% odds.”
Had the Mavericks picked where they were expected to, Dallas would have a starting lineup right now of Davis, Lively II, Thompson, PJ Washington, and perhaps Ryan Nembhard or another rookie playing point guard.
Those title hopes look like a pipe dream!
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