The Dallas Mavericks’ future took a dramatic turn after winning the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, giving them the chance to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg. It was a huge moment for a franchise that had just been knocked out of the Play-In Tournament by the Memphis Grizzlies and had limited offseason options, especially after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
With Kyrie Irving expected to be sidelined until early 2026 due to an ACL injury and the team strapped for cap space, hopes weren’t particularly high—until the lottery win.
Kidd Teases Massive, Defense-Heavy Lineup
One major question following the Flagg news was what Dallas would do with its crowded frontcourt—now stacked with Flagg, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Trade rumors quickly emerged around Washington and Gafford due to their expiring contracts. However, head coach Jason Kidd may have cooled those rumors with recent comments.
Speaking on the DLLS Mavs Podcast, Kidd floated the idea of using Flagg at shooting guard in some lineups. That would allow Dallas to run out a jumbo-sized five of Irving, Flagg, Washington, Davis, and Lively II—a lineup designed to dominate defensively with elite size and switchability.
Though not expected to be a regular rotation, this group could be effective in certain matchups, particularly when the Mavericks want to smother opposing offenses and control the paint. Kidd noted that while Flagg may initially struggle to guard quick guards, the team could still switch everything and make scoring extremely difficult.
Implications for Roster Decisions
Kidd’s vision could be key in maintaining team chemistry and managing contracts. Keeping Washington involved in such schemes could lessen the need to reduce his minutes, which would be important as he approaches free agency in 2025. If Dallas opts to move Gafford instead, Davis could slide into the center role more frequently.
Flagg’s Versatility Already on Display
Flagg’s ability to play across multiple positions, combined with his natural playmaking instincts, has Kidd eager to experiment. Allowing Flagg to learn the ropes at shooting guard could fast-track his development as a secondary ball-handler and raise his long-term ceiling.
Big Lineups Could Be Key in the West
Although there are some concerns—particularly about perimeter shooting—this lineup could be a strategic weapon against bigger, more physical opponents. And with Flagg’s flexibility, Kidd will have a lot of options to work with throughout the season.
In short, Dallas’ lottery luck may have just transformed them from a struggling team with limited options into a tactical nightmare for opponents—and Jason Kidd sounds ready to capitalize.
