Jason Kidd: Mavericks ‘Focused on No. 1’ Pick, Calls Cooper Flagg Situation ‘Ideal’

Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Kidd said he initially thought there was a mistake when he began receiving text messages with the news.

“I just felt we were going to stay around 11, if not go backwards, the way things were going for us this year,” Kidd said. “I thought maybe there was a ‘1’ missing.”

Kidd also acknowledged that the Mavericks are squarely focused on the top of the draft board.

“I’m just the coach,” he said. “(But) yes, I would say we’re all concentrating on No. 1. The draft is deep, but the name you just brought up — I think we’re all focused on.”

While Kidd avoided directly naming Duke forward Cooper Flagg — widely projected to be the first overall pick — he later smiled when Patrick referred to “the kid from Duke,” responding, “We’re excited about the kid at Duke.”

Flagg is considered the consensus top prospect in the 2025 class. Had the ping-pong balls bounced differently, he might have landed with a rebuilding franchise like Utah or Washington. Instead, he’s expected to join a veteran-led Mavericks team featuring Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson.

“He’ll be 18. He doesn’t turn 19 until December,” Kidd said. “He’s very talented, can play both ends. Being able to have older players — and when I say that out of respect, they’re not dinosaurs — but when you look at Ky, AD, Klay, guys that are here, they could definitely help him with the process of going through a rookie season.”

Kidd said the presence of established stars could help ease the burden that typically comes with being the No. 1 overall pick.

“When you talk about the other clubs he could’ve ended up with, he would have to produce right away at a high, high level,” Kidd said. “I think this is a great situation for him to grow his game, where the pressure isn’t as high. But we are playing for a championship.”

Kidd also discussed February’s blockbuster trade that sent franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that brought Davis and Max Christie to Dallas. Kidd said he received the call from general manager Nico Harrison while staying at a hotel in Cleveland and immediately began evaluating the team’s new direction.

He also revealed that the day of the trade was the last time he spoke with Doncic.

“I don’t think he was too happy,” Kidd said. “From the experience of being traded — maybe being surprised, upset — feelings are high. But I loved the opportunity of coaching Luka. He’s an incredible person, and we all know his talent is one of the best in the world.”

“I’ve always said this publicly and privately: I wish Luka the best,” Kidd added. “He’s one of the best players in the world.”