Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Jason Kidd Reacts to Cooper Flagg Development Before Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 5:47 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are beginning a new era with 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

The former Duke phenom is about to begin the 2025-26 NBA season as a Rookie of the Year candidate.

In his only year at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points with 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.

Duke finished the year with a Final Four loss to Houston, and the Mavericks won the NBA Draft lottery and didn't hesitate to select Flagg.

On Saturday, the Mavericks played their second preseason game and lost to the Charlotte Hornets, 120-116.

Flagg played 23 minutes, scoring 11 points with four assists, three rebounds and three steals.

After the game, head coach Jason Kidd spoke about Flagg handling the ball more and being used differently heading into the regular season.

“We want to look at him handling the ball," Flagg said, via Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints. "Want to put him in different situations. I thought he made a lot of great reads tonight. There’s gonna be some turnovers. I think the only time he turned it over is when he went behind his back."

Jason Kidd on Cooper Flagg’s play-making: “We want to look at him handling the ball. Want to put him in different situations. I thought he made a lot of great reads tonight. There’s gonna be some turnovers. I think the only time he turned it over is when he went behind his back.”
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) October 12, 2025

Flagg had five turnovers on Saturday, but Kidd felt encouraged by his "great reads."

In his preseason debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 6, Flagg scored 10 points with six rebounds and three assists in 14 minutes with zero turnovers.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks on from the team bench. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Still, Kidd and the Mavericks want to use Flagg in different situations going into the regular season.

The Mavericks' next preseason game is scheduled for Monday against the Utah Jazz, followed by a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, both of which will be played on the road.

The Mavericks begin the regular season on Oct. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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