When Dallas Mavericks rolled out its projected lineup on Thursday, ESPN listed Cooper Flagg as the starting point guard, pushing veteran D'Angelo Russell to the bench and rookie Brandon Williams into a third‑string slot.
Guard Rotation and the Surprise Starter
The chart, posted at 11:37 AM UTC on 23 October 2025, follows ESPN’s familiar format: each position group is separated by a semicolon, while players inside a group are linked with middle dots. For the backcourt the line reads "Cooper Flagg · D'Angelo Russell · Brandon Williams". Flagg, a former high‑school phenom from Maine, earned a roster spot after a solid preseason stint, and ESPN’s analysts seem confident he can handle the NBA’s fastest guards. "If you watch his first two games, you’ll see a poise that belies his age," wrote ESPN analyst John Mitchell.
Wing Positions and Unexplained Notations
Moving out to the shooting guard slot, the depth chart lists veteran Klay Thompson as the starter, with Max Christie as the primary backup and Dante Exum followed by a mysterious “O” designation. Klay Thompson is entering his 15th NBA season and appears ready to anchor the Mavericks’ perimeter attack. The "O" next to Exum has sparked chatter – some fans speculate it means "Out" for injury, while others think it could signal an offensive specialist role. Neither ESPN nor the Mavericks have clarified, leaving the label a talking point on fan forums.
Small Forward Outlook
On the wing, the chart lists P.J. Washington as the starting small forward, with Naji Marshall as his sole backup. Washington’s versatility – he can guard multiple positions and finish at the rim – makes him a logical first‑choice. Marshall, known for his energy off the bench, will likely see minutes in rotational bursts, especially when the team needs a defensive spark.
Missing Frontcourt Positions and a Notable Omission
The excerpt stops short of listing power forwards or centers, a gap that most insiders attribute to roster volatility in the paint. Training camp injuries and a pending trade rumor involving veteran center Nikola Jokić keep the frontcourt in flux. Equally striking is the absence of Kyrie Irving from any slot. Irving, who spent the 2024‑25 season with Dallas, is not reflected on the chart, prompting speculation about his future with the club. Sources close to the front office said a contract clause could force a buyout, but nothing has been confirmed.
Coaching and Management Perspective
Head coach Jason Kidd has a reputation for reshaping lineups to suit his offensive philosophy. In a recent practice, Kidd reportedly emphasized ball‑movement and spacing, a system that grants Flagg the freedom to push the tempo. General manager Nico Harrison has spoken about the importance of depth, noting that a "healthy bench" can swing close games in the West’s brutal schedule.
Implications for the Season Opener
The Mavericks open the regular season on 28 October 2025 against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. San Antonio Spurs will be reloading after a disappointing 2024‑25 campaign, making the matchup a bellwether for Dallas’s new guard structure. If Flagg can manage the ball against veteran point guard Devin Booker, the Mavericks could set a fast‑paced tone that leverages Thompson’s shooting and Washington’s slashing.
Historical Context and Fan Reaction
Depth charts have been a staple of preseason coverage since the early 2000s, but they’ve never been as closely scrutinized as they are now, thanks to social media’s instant feedback loop. Fans took to Twitter on Tuesday, reacting to Flagg’s promotion with a mix of excitement (“Finally, a chance for the kid!”) and caution (“Will he handle the pressure?”). Compared with last season’s chart, which listed Luka Dončić at point guard (although he plays shooting guard now), this year’s lineup signals a strategic pivot toward a more distributed offense.
Key Facts
- Depth chart published by ESPN on 23 Oct 2025, 11:37 AM UTC.
- Cooper Flagg named starting point guard.
- Klay Thompson retains shooting‑guard starter role.
- P.J. Washington anchors the small‑forward spot.
- Kyrie Irving absent from any listed position.
- Season opener vs. Spurs scheduled for 28 Oct 2025 at Frost Bank Center.
Mavericks depth chart will shape roster decisions through the first half of the season as injuries and trade rumors evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cooper Flagg chosen over D'Angelo Russell?
Cooper Flagg impressed during preseason with his defensive intensity and ability to run the pick‑and‑roll, qualities that align with Coach Kidd’s fast‑tempo system. Russell, while experienced, is now viewed as a secondary playmaker who can come off the bench to manage games.
What does the “O” next to Dante Exum indicate?
ESPN has not provided an official definition. Analysts speculate it could mean "Out" due to a minor injury, or it might denote an "Offensive" specialist role, but the Mavericks have yet to confirm.
How will the missing front‑court slots affect the team?
The absence of power‑forward and center listings suggests the roster is still in flux. The Mavericks are likely to adjust after training camp, possibly signing a veteran big man or promoting a two‑way contract player to solidify rebounding and interior defense.
Is Kyrie Irving’s omission a sign he’s leaving?
While the depth chart omits Irving, no official statement has been released. Rumors of a contract clause that could trigger a buyout are circulating, but until the front office confirms, his status remains uncertain.
What impact could the new depth chart have on the season opener?
If Flagg can manage the tempo against the Spurs, the Mavericks could establish a quick‑pacing identity early. A strong guard performance would also alleviate pressure on Dončić, allowing him to focus on scoring and playmaking.
