The Dallas Mavericks won’t have Kyrie Irving for much of this season.
That made signing a point guard a priority in the offseason, and the Mavs ended up with D’Angelo Russell.
It stands to reason that Russell would just replace Irving in the Mavs’ projected starting lineup. Except, the end of the preseason suggests that may not be what happens.
Dallas rolled out a bigger starting five to end the preseason:
• Klay Thompson
• Cooper Flagg
• P.J. Washington
• Anthony Davis
• Dereck Lively
Nothing has been announced one way or the other, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see that as the lineup for the season opener on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
If that’s the group, Flagg would play point guard.
Washington would come off the bench if Russell starts, but his wing length and defensive capabilities would be viewed as a boost to this unit.
The reason head coach Jason Kidd would go away from Russell is that, at this stage of their careers, Russell and Thompson would form a poor defensive backcourt.
The challenge here would be Flagg at the PG spot. He brought the ball up the court 26 times in the Mavs’ preseason action, so they were getting him ready for this. He’s certainly a talented distributor with good handles for his size.
Flagg at point guard would likely get picked up full court more often by the opposition to test him. But if he proves he can handle it, this would be a strong starting five.
Be the first to comment