Jason Kidd is thinking outside the box with his young superstar.
The Dallas Mavericks (literally) got a winning lottery ticket in Cooper Flagg, and head coach Jason Kidd has been experimenting with how best to use him at the NBA Summer League.
While Flagg is traditionally seen as a forward - likely a power forward with a larger center on the floor with him - Kidd appears to be trying something different.
As The Athletic's Esfandiar Baraheni points out, Kidd gave Flagg some moments to play point guard for the Mavericks' Summer League team. Baraheni described what this experiment looked like.
"Flagg consistently brought the ball up the floor, dealing with pressure from opposing defenders," Baraheni noted. "He operated in pick-and-rolls and was the Mavs’ primary decision-maker. While the results were mixed, the start to Flagg’s NBA journey provided a glimpse into the future for this generational prospect."
Baraheni also recalled how this is not the first time Kidd has taken this type of experiment on an elite player he has coached.
"This isn’t the first time Kidd and his staff boldly used a young phenom’s skillset," Baraheni wrote. "Back in 2016, when Kidd coached the Milwaukee Bucks, he told the world his plans to put the ball in the hands of a young 6-foot-11 wing. You might know his name: Giannis Antetokounmpo."
The experiment worked out for Giannis, even if he is not always the Bucks' primary ball handler. Could the same outcome happen for Flagg?
As Baraheni points out, it could be very advantageous for the Mavericks if it does, especially given their current roster situation.
"With Kyrie Irving sidelined for most of this season, there will be more opportunities for Flagg to stretch his legs with the ball in his hands. And with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington up front, Flagg might have to play on the perimeter more anyway."
Flagg has one of the most diverse skillsets of any drafted player in recent memory, and should he hone is craft as a dribbler and facilitator, he could become a great point-forward in the likes of Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
Category: Basketball
