The Dallas Mavericks are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with one of the most intriguing roster situations in the league. With injuries reshaping the guard rotation and the team introducing rookie sensation Cooper Flagg into the mix, the spotlight unexpectedly shifts to veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson. How the Mavericks choose to deploy Thompson could directly determine the size of Flagg’s role as a primary playmaker from day one. This unusual situation is setting up to be one of the defining storylines of Dallas’ season.

The State of the Mavericks Roster

After an active offseason that saw Dallas revamp parts of its roster, the team looked poised to open the year with a balanced mix of veteran leadership and young talent. However, injuries have thrown those plans into chaos. Kyrie Irving, one of the cornerstones of the Mavericks backcourt, is still recovering from a torn ACL. That absence has forced head coach Jason Kidd to reconsider how the backcourt will function until Irving is cleared for full participation.

The frontcourt, by contrast, is stacked with depth and star power. Anthony Davis headlines the big men, joined by Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington. On paper, this gives Dallas arguably the best rotation of bigs in the NBA. But basketball games are won by guards who can organize the offense, distribute the ball, and space the floor. Without Irving, the Mavericks are left weighing the strengths and weaknesses of Max Christie, D’Angelo Russell, and Klay Thompson.

Why Klay Thompson’s Role Matters

At 35 years old, Klay Thompson is no longer the unstoppable 3-and-D force he was during the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty years. Multiple major injuries have slowed his lateral quickness and chipped away at his endurance. Yet, Thompson’s shooting ability remains world-class, and his presence commands respect from opposing defenses.

The challenge is how Thompson fits into a Mavericks lineup desperate for perimeter organization. If Kidd chooses to start Thompson alongside another defense-first guard like Max Christie, the responsibility of running the offense could fall directly onto Cooper Flagg’s shoulders. That would be a monumental role for a rookie, but Dallas may see it as the best way to maximize its overall roster balance.

The Case for D’Angelo Russell

On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell offers a different solution. Though often criticized for inconsistency and questionable defensive effort, Russell remains a capable ball handler and shot creator. He can mimic some of what Kyrie Irving provides in terms of initiating offense, albeit at a less dynamic level.

If Russell starts at point guard, Dallas would reduce the immediate burden on Flagg to run the show. Russell’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll with Davis or Lively could also open up easier looks for Flagg to attack mismatches or cut into open space. The problem is Russell’s shaky defense, which could leave Dallas vulnerable against elite backcourts. That risk may outweigh the offensive comfort he provides.

Max Christie’s Emerging Value

The third candidate, Max Christie, represents a long-term bet. At just 22 years old, Christie has shown signs of becoming a reliable 3-and-D option. He shot 37% from three last season and logged over 30 minutes per game with Dallas. By starting Christie, the Mavericks would lean into defensive stability while giving him valuable developmental reps.

Pairing Christie with Thompson could create a backcourt that emphasizes floor spacing and defensive rotations. The downside, of course, is that neither player is a natural playmaker. This again circles back to Flagg, who would be forced into a primary ball-handling role far sooner than most rookies ever experience.

The Cooper Flagg Factor

Everything about this discussion ultimately leads back to Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old forward was drafted with expectations of becoming the future face of the Mavericks franchise. He possesses elite passing instincts for his size, remarkable court vision, and the confidence to make bold plays. These qualities suggest that Flagg could handle playmaking responsibilities if given the opportunity.

However, it’s rare for a rookie—especially one whose natural position is forward—to be thrust into the role of an offense’s main initiator. Doing so could accelerate Flagg’s development and give Dallas a unique edge, but it also risks overloading him and exposing the team to rookie mistakes. Whether Flagg thrives in this role may hinge on how much spacing and defensive support players like Thompson and Christie can provide.

Thompson’s Influence on Flagg’s Rookie Year

If Klay Thompson proves capable of giving Dallas reliable shooting and solid defensive positioning, he could unlock a scenario where Flagg is free to experiment and grow as a playmaker without the team suffering too much. Thompson’s veteran presence would also serve as a stabilizing force for Flagg, offering mentorship and on-court guidance.

But if Thompson struggles physically or cannot keep up with younger, quicker guards, the Mavericks may have no choice but to lean more heavily on Russell. That would reduce Flagg’s immediate playmaking role and delay the experiment of letting him run the offense. In other words, Thompson’s effectiveness could directly determine how big Flagg’s role will be from opening night.

The Bigger Picture for Dallas

The Mavericks’ situation is both risky and exciting. On one hand, they could unleash a generational rookie talent as their primary playmaker, creating a new identity built around Flagg’s all-around game. On the other, they could expose him to unnecessary pressure and growing pains that impact the team’s win-loss record in a stacked Western Conference.

The decision of whether to lean on Russell’s offensive skills, Christie’s defensive reliability, or Thompson’s veteran shooting will dictate how much Dallas trusts Flagg in year one. Training camp and preseason will provide clues, but the Mavericks’ opening night lineup could tell us everything about their long-term vision.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2025-26 season may be defined by how they balance experience and youth in their backcourt. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, the role of Klay Thompson takes on far greater significance than expected. His performance could decide whether Cooper Flagg steps into the spotlight as a rookie playmaker or is allowed to ease into NBA life with more support.

For Dallas fans, this is both a fascinating and nerve-wracking scenario. The potential rewards of Flagg’s accelerated growth are enormous, but so are the risks of rushing him too quickly. One thing is certain: Klay Thompson’s role could shape not only this season but also the future trajectory of the Mavericks.