Cooper Flagg will immediately force Mavericks to rethink their stacked depth chart

The Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt is loaded with talent, but Cooper Flagg’s arrival could force some difficult lineup decisions immediately.

When Dallas drafted Flagg, they added one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory. He brings length, defense, and a developing offensive game that could change the franchise's future. The only issue? His natural position is power forward, just like P.J. Washington and Anthony Davis.

This overlap complicates things. Both Davis and Washington perform best at the four. Davis has shown he can dominate at center, but it’s clear he prefers to avoid heavy minutes there. Washington excels as a floor-spacing four, where his three-point shooting and defense are most valuable.

A logjam at power forward creates tough choices for Jason Kidd

With three players who shine at the same position, Jason Kidd will need to think creatively. One solution could involve moving Davis to the five more frequently. This would allow all three players to be on the court, but it could also overstrain Davis against physical centers throughout the season. His health has always been a concern, and extended minutes at center could put his durability to the test.

Another option is to try Flagg at different positions. His defensive instincts and athleticism suggest he could handle some time at small forward or even shooting guard in larger lineups. Some within the team have even considered using Flagg as a point forward or point guard in certain lineups, allowing Dallas to play big while still maintaining playmaking.

Washington faces the most uncertainty. His shooting makes him valuable as a stretch-four, but if Flagg takes some of those minutes, Kidd might need to use him more often at the three. While Washington has played there before, that would reduce his rebounding ability and physical advantages.

On the other hand, the Mavericks now have lineup flexibility that few teams can match. They could deploy large units with Flagg at the two, Washington at the three, and Davis at the five, creating matchup problems for opponents. Alternatively, they could downsize and have Davis control the paint with Flagg facilitating as a point forward alongside wings and guards.

This flexibility could become Dallas’s greatest strength. Flagg’s game is still developing, but his openness to adapt to different positions may quicken his growth. Kidd has historically favored versatility, and Flagg’s skillset makes him perfect for adjusting lineups based on the opponent.

However, the depth chart issues won’t resolve themselves soon. Someone will need to give up minutes or take on a less comfortable role. If Flagg develops rapidly, he might pressure the coaching staff to focus on his growth over keeping the veterans in their usual places. This could lead to tough discussions about who plays where.

Ultimately, it’s a good problem for Dallas. Depth and versatility are luxuries that most teams envy, and the Mavericks now have both in spades. Flagg’s arrival brings challenges, but it also offers Kidd options that could keep Dallas competitive against any opponent.

The Mavericks didn’t draft Flagg to sit on the bench. He’ll be a key player in the rotation from day one, and how Kidd manages the minutes between him, Davis, and Washington may shape the early part of the 2025–26 season.