Jason Kidd Irritated by Criticism Over Cooper Flagg’s Point Guard Usage

Jason Kidd didn’t mince words after the Mavericks loss to the Rockets (111-107). When asked about the « national criticism » regarding his use of Cooper Flagg at point guard, the Dallas coach exploded in front of reporters during his post-game press conference.

« I don’t give a damn about the criticism. Criticism is your opinion. You guys write that bullshit, » Kidd fired back in a particularly sharp tone. The Mavericks coach then shifted the debate to the matter of legitimacy: « I’ve played this game, I did it at a very high level and damn it, I know what I’m doing. »

Jason Kidd was asked by @RonKnowsSports about the national criticism for playing Cooper Flagg at point guard.

Kidd: « Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bullshit. That’s not — I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I played it. I know what the fuck I’m doing.

« I… pic.twitter.com/NovR3R0PTV

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 1, 2026

Cooper Flagg Shines Individually Despite the Losses

Jason Kidd’s anger comes despite two exceptional performances by his rookie. Cooper Flagg just set an NBA record by becoming the first teenager to score 49 points in a game against the Hornets, before following up with 34 points and 12 rebounds against Houston. His 83 points over these two games constitute the highest total for a player his age over a two-game span in NBA history.

« I don’t care what you write, because you’ve never played. I’ve trained players, I know what I’m doing, » Kidd continued before abruptly leaving the press room. This strategy of using the 6’6″ rookie at the point guard position, conceived before the season, had been temporarily abandoned during the season, with the insertion of D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams or Ryan Nembhard into the starting lineup.

LIRE AUSSI

Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel deliver historic duel in Dallas

30 janv. 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

Despite Flagg’s remarkable individual performances, averaging 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 45 games, the Mavericks are going through a difficult period. The team is on a four-game losing streak and sits in 11th place in the Western Conference with a record of 19 wins and 30 losses, four games out of the last play-in qualifying spot.

PLAYER PROFILE

Cooper FLAGG

Position(s): Power Forward

Height: 206 cm

Age: 19 years (12/21/2006)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

19.8

#44

REB

6.6

#58

AST

4.1

#68