TITLE: Mavericks Focus on Flagg’s Development, Davis’ Influence and Nembhard’s Emergence
SLUG: mavericks-flagg-davis-nembhard-2025
CONTENT:
The Dallas Mavericks remain committed to rookie Cooper Flagg’s long-term growth after opening the 2025-26 season with the No. 1 overall pick at point guard, a role that produced limited immediate success but, according to Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd, accelerated the 18-year-old’s learning curve.
“I learned a lot in that short period,” Flagg said. “I’d never really played point guard before. You have to be aware of a lot of other things, and I think I learned what it takes to lead a team.”
Kidd acknowledged the early-season experiment was “not popular,” yet he praised Flagg’s willingness to accept challenges. “This is an 18-year-old playing against the best players in the world,” the coach said. “We’re playing the long game with him. He’s open to ideas, and that’s pretty cool for a young kid.”
ESPN Floats Davis Mega-Deal
In a series of hypothetical trades proposed by ESPN’s NBA insiders, Bobby Marks labeled a five-team scenario that would send Anthony Davis to Atlanta and deliver Zach LaVine plus two protected first-round picks to Dallas as the most attractive package from the Mavericks’ standpoint.
Davis Driving Recent Turnaround
On the court, Davis has spearheaded a surge that includes five wins in the club’s past six games. The 10-time All-Star posted 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks in 33 minutes during Friday’s victory over Brooklyn. “He knows when to pick his spots, when to attack and where everybody is on the court,” Flagg said. “He’s going to make the right play all the time.”
Nembhard Impresses in Backcourt
First-year guard Ryan Nembhard has become another bright spot in a turbulent campaign. Teammate Brandon Williams, who lost his starting job to the 5-foot-11 Canadian, praised Nembhard’s ability to penetrate and create. “People look at his size, but he uses it to his advantage,” Williams said. “Even if he’s not getting the assist, the ball is moving with him on the floor and everybody likes that.”
The Mavericks continue a season defined by experimentation and adaptation, banking on Flagg’s development, Davis’ stability and Nembhard’s energy to sustain recent momentum.
Source: Hoops Rumors
