Mavericks’ secret weapon for an NBA Finals revenge tour isn’t who you think

When discussing the Dallas Mavericks’ chances for a successful playoff run in 2025, most fans focus on the star players. They debate how Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis will work together, what impact rookie sensation Cooper Flagg might have, and whether the supporting cast can perform under pressure. However, the true X-factor for the Mavericks this season is head coach Jason Kidd.

Kidd has been a controversial figure since he became the Mavericks’ head coach in 2021. At first, he faced criticism for his lineup choices, inflexible strategies, and failure to consistently put his team in a winning position. At times, his coaching seemed to lag behind Luka Dončić's natural talent, who was expected to lead the team through any challenge. But over the past few years, Kidd has changed. His growth as a coach could be the key factor in the Mavericks’ effort to return to the NBA Finals.

The 2025 roster poses a different challenge than what Kidd started with. With Dončić no longer in Dallas, the Mavericks have built a team around a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players. Irving offers offensive skills, Davis adds an elite two-way presence, and Flagg gives a glimpse into the franchise’s future. However, the success of this roster will depend on Kidd’s ability to bring all these pieces together, maximizing the stars while keeping the role players involved and effective.

Jason Kidd’s growth is the Mavericks’ secret weapon

Kidd is now a different coach than the one who struggled with game management in his early years. The playoff experiences of 2022 and 2024 pushed him to evolve. We observed improved defensive strategies, quicker game adjustments, and a willingness to experiment with different lineups. His playoff experience, both as a coach and a Hall of Fame player, has made him more confident in trusting his instincts and adapting to the situation, an ability that often separates good coaches from great ones in the playoffs.

Kidd also has a distinct advantage in managing star players. Few coaches understand the pressure of being a franchise cornerstone like he does. As a former floor general, Kidd knows how to balance different personalities, distribute the ball, and keep the superstars focused on a shared goal. This type of leadership is crucial with players like Irving, who thrives on trust from his coach, and Davis, who will need to be the team’s foundation on both ends of the court. If Flagg is to succeed in his rookie season, Kidd’s steady guidance will help put him in the right situations without overwhelming him.

Ultimately, the Mavericks don’t need Kidd to come up with new strategies.

They need him to continue doing what he has been working on, making smart adjustments, holding stars accountable, and trusting his team. The Western Conference is incredibly competitive, but Dallas has the talent to compete with anyone.

The question is whether Kidd can once again make the right decisions when it matters most.

If he can, the Mavericks won’t just be an interesting team with new players; they’ll be a serious threat to make a deep playoff run. That’s why Jason Kidd, more than any single player, is Dallas’ biggest X-factor on the path back to the NBA Finals.