The Dallas Mavericks are struggling to find a reliable point guard, with coach Jason Kidd and player Anthony Davis offering differing assessments of the team’s problems at the position. The Mavericks’ 0-2 start to the 2025-26 NBA season has highlighted the issue, particularly with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injury.
Kidd has been favoring a lineup with Cooper Flagg at point guard, despite having three natural point guards in D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams, and Ryan Nembhard. Russell has played only 24 minutes across two games, with Kidd citing rhythm and the need to give Williams and Nembhard opportunities as reasons for the limited playing time.
“I think just rhythm, understanding he had some good looks that just didn’t go down,” Kidd explained. “We got B-Will and Ryan, that were trying to figure out which one we can play early here in the season… Understanding the depth of the team right now at that position, we’re shorthanded.”
Davis, on the other hand, downplayed the impact of the point guard situation on the team’s offense. “Nah, I mean like I said, the only thing that I see, teams are picking us up full court, which I guess is different for us, and that’s kind of really the only thing,” he said. “We’re starting offense a little later in the clock.”
The Mavericks have averaged 21.5 assists per game, the fourth lowest in the NBA, with Russell averaging 3.0 assists per game despite playing significantly fewer minutes than Flagg. The team’s fans have been critical of Kidd’s comments, reminding him of the team’s decision to trade Luka Doncic, a five-time All-NBA player, for Davis in February.
Doncic has been excelling with his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. The Mavericks’ fans have been quick to point out the irony of Kidd’s comments, given the team’s decision to part with a player who could have solved their point guard woes. As the team continues to struggle, it remains to be seen how they will address their point guard issues and find a way to turn their season around.
