Mavericks' makes interesting Cooper Flagg decision

Mavericks' makes interesting Cooper Flagg decision originally appeared on The Sporting News

It seems that the Dallas Mavericks are switching things up for Cooper Flagg this coming 2025-26 NBA season. Throughout Flagg's basketball career, he had always played in the forward position. He mainly played at the small forward position. However, it appears that the Mavericks are going to experiment with some new lineups, with Flagg playing at the guard position.

According to Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis, Dallas has officially added Flagg to their website as part of the main roster. What caught Curtis' attention was the fact that he was listed at the guard position. While his secondary position does say he'll play as a forward, it was intriguing to learn about the team's intention to let him play at the backcourt. 

Did a routine check-in on the #Mavs' media website and noticed Cooper Flagg was recently added to the team's roster. Most notably, he's listed as a guard/forward. pic.twitter.com/nQbYAXLasp

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) August 18, 2025

Kyrie Irving's absence could be why Cooper Flagg will play guard

While everyone is looking forward to the Dallas Mavericks' starting five of Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II, it might take some time until we see them at full force. Last season, Irving tore his ACL, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. Based on the current timeline provided by sources, Irving is expected to make his return by January 2026.

Having that in mind, we could theorize that Flagg's enlistment at the guard position could be due to Irving's absence. As of the time of this writing, the Mavericks have yet to reveal their intentions of having Flagg play in the backcourt. 

Whatever the case may be, we'll just have to wait and see if Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd can efficiently utilize the rookie in the backcourt. Dallas is set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 6 in the 2025 NBA Preseason opener.