Kidd chose! No. 1 pick Flag actually wants to play point guard? Irving s stand-in appears

In Jason Kidd's rookie season, the Dallas Mavericks' lineup is mostly young players in their early 20s.

Between 1992 and 1994, the Mavericks won the top five picks in the NBA draft three times in a row. They selected Jim Jackson (4th pick in 1992), Jamal Mashburn (4th pick in 1993) and Kidd (2nd pick in 1994). At the beginning of Kidd's first season with the Mavericks, the three were 24, 22 and 21 respectively.

The Mavericks in the 1994-95 season failed to show strong competitiveness as Kidd wished due to lack of experience. They eventually achieved a record of 36 wins and 46 losses and missed the playoffs.

"When I was selected, we were probably the youngest team in the league," Kidd said. "There are too short of veterans in the team. "

And now the Mavericks joined by Cooper Flag are in a completely different situation. Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Clay Thompson are both future Hall of Fame members over the age of thirty and all have championship rings.

"There is no more ideal growth environment, whether on or off the court," Kidd commented on Flag's opportunities at the new aid conference. The new top pick deeply agrees with this.

"I think this is a gift from God. Many people in similar positions may not be able to get such opportunities," said Flag. "I long to absorb nutrients like a sponge. "

Frager is crucial to maintain this mentality, because Kidd seems to be ready to immediately entrust him with important tasks. Kidd, who was one of the greatest point guards in the league's history as a player, revealed that he hopes to let Flag train in his former position.

"I plan to put him as point guard," Kidd said bluntly, "I want him to jump out of his comfort zone and observe his adaptability. He must be able to lead the offense, but also be competent in the shooting guard and small forward. Although he can adapt to these positions, we want to put pressure on him and believe he will respond positively. "

At Duke, coach Sayer gave Flag the organizational responsibility of promoting the offense. The Blue Devils star averaged 4.2 assists per game, with a total assist of 156 times higher than the second place in the team.

As a young player, Flag's offensive skills are quite proficient. It is easy to imagine him breaking into the penalty area and completing a wonderful cooperation with Davis like an all-time pass sent to Duke's teammate Maruac.

The Mavericks will have a long-term lack of chief ball holder and offensive initiator next season - Irving is expected to be absent from a three-month ACL torn until 2026 - Flag's organizational ability is particularly critical. Inside Davis, Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II will undoubtedly join the rotation with P.J. Washington, and management believes that these players can coexist compatiblely.

On Wednesday, general manager Nick Harrison revealed an episode of Washington's participation in the pre-elect trial. "I asked P.J.: 'Do you think you can partner?' He immediately replied: 'Of course.' The team was not jealous at all, but everyone was looking forward to working with Flag. "

During the six and a half years of playing for the Mavericks, Luca Doncic ranked among the top in the league for many years - this is reasonable. He is one of the most talented offensive geniuses in basketball history. Under its leadership, the Mavericks ranked among the top ten offensive efficiency in the league four times.

"The style of the new season will be different," Harrison expected, "Many players can dominate the ball and launch attacks, and the pace of the game will be significantly accelerated. " Flag is a key link among these ball-holding points.

This 18-year-old from Newport, Maine, was only 4 years old when Irving was the Cavaliers No. 1 pick in 2011, and he was only 5 years old when the Pelicans chose Davis with the No. 1 pick the following year.

"He was so lucky to have these veteran guidance," Kidd sighed.

(Text/Kong Yang)