Jason Kidd Stands By Cooper Flagg As Mavericks Point Guard

Merlin sees Dallas coach Jason Kidd shrugging off outside noise after leaning on rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard. Kidd told reporters, "Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls--t," and added, "I know what the f--k I'm doing." His defense comes after Flagg scored an NBA record 49 points as a teenager, then followed with 34 points and 12 rebounds, showing clear improvement in ball handling even as the Mavericks dropped a fourth straight game. Merlin notes Kidd speaks like a teacher who has graded many young stars. Flagg’s back-to-back bursts suggest real upside as a lead guard, but team defense and rotations will decide whether those flashes turn into consistent wins. Trust from a veteran coach can speed maturity, yet results must follow for the peace to last.