Jason Kidd makes an admission over D’Angelo Russell’s role with the Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd doesn’t have a clear role for D’Angelo Russell

In the defeat, Russell had just 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 1-of-6 from the field off the bench.

It was certainly a forgettable debut for Russell. On the other hand, Flagg struggled as the starting point guard as well, as he had a scoreless first-half performance.

Despite that, coach Kidd reiterated that he has no concrete plans to start Russell as a point guard moving forward.

“Just keeping him as a basketball player. We’re not looking at starter or sixth man; he’s going to get enough minutes to help us win. That’s why he’s here.

“That’s what we believe. His skill set, being able to set the table for his teammates and then also being able to score,” Kidd told the media.

The Mavs head coach added: “So, we’re not going to label him as a sixth man; we’re going to use him as a basketball player.

“There could be nights where he starts, and there could be nights that he’s seventh or eighth coming off the bench.”

Now, that’s a bold choice, and it could lead to Russell struggling during his tenure with the Mavericks.

D’Angelo Russell on his role with the Dallas Mavericks

Russell faced criticism even before starting his Mavericks tenure. However, D’Lo has always been high on the Mavs, and he continues to show that optimism.

“I just want to be a basketball player whenever I get into the game. It just comes down to winning and finishing the game, however I can help.

“Finish a game, if need be, and always impact winning is my goal as well,” Russell said.

This is a positive approach, but if the Mavericks go through a slump, it may not take long for D’Lo to change his mind.

After all, playing Russell as a sixth man only to keep Flagg as a point guard seemingly has more cons than pros for the Mavericks.