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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd unleashed some fury when asked about his use of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg following a 111-107 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.
In the process some swear words were discarded.
Throughout the season, Flagg, the Duke standout who was the consensus No. 1 pick when the Mavericks won the NBA Draft Lottery, has been used as a point guard in Kidd’s system instead of a forward. Flagg, who is 6-foot-9, has the skills to run the offense, but many believe his natural position is forward.
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Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks watches during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center on January 22, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
When asked about the criticism Kidd has received from those who believe he is misusing Flagg, he didn’t hold back.
“I don’t give a damn about criticism. Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that nonsense,” Kidd said during his postgame press conference. “That’s not… I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level. I know what the fuck I’m doing.”
Kidd, a 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA, is a Hall of Famer who needs no introduction in basketball circles.
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Kidd has also been coaching for quite some time since his playing days, leading the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks as head coach before taking over the Mavericks, the team he played for eight of his 19 years, ahead of the 2021-22 season.
Given his history in the NBA, Kidd knows that criticism can come from all angles, but he continued to attack the media in his postgame rant.
“I don’t give a damn what you guys write,” he said. “Because you guys have never played this game. And that’s why I build players. So, I know what the f— I’m doing. So, taking criticism, it only makes me better. Because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes in what I’ve done.”
Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court after a game against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center on October 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Kidd refused to answer questions after that and stormed back into the locker room after the tough loss.
Flagg had a tough time starting his NBA career, though he now appears to be acclimated. He has averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his first 45 games with the Mavericks this season, setting himself up for possible Rookie of the Year recognition.
But, despite having recent performances of 49 points and a double-double of 34 points and 12 rebounds, the Mavericks have lost four straight games. Dallas is currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 19-30 record.
However, injuries have plagued the Mavericks, especially for Kyrie Irving, the team’s regular starting point guard who is still recovering from a torn ACL. Kidd has had to use Flagg and D’Angelo Russell at the position as they hope Irving can return this season.
Head coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks watches during the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis, the most important piece of Luka Doncic’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, has also been sidelined by numerous injuries this season.
Flagg’s development will remain under the microscope going forward, where Kidd clearly believes he’s doing the right thing with the new face of the franchise.
