Jason Kidd just got a massive opportunity the Mavericks can't afford to waste

Earlier this week, the NBA world was shocked to hear that future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul was retiring. Paul was certainly not the player he once was in his waning seasons, but fans have long speculated about seeing Paul in a coaching role, and now the Dallas Mavericks may have the perfect opportunity to make a splash in this summer's coaching carousel.

Paul would not only make perfect sense for the Mavericks if he were interested in joining the coaching ranks, but last summer, the Hall of Fame guard became a target for the Mavericks in their search for a guard. While Paul would ultimately sign with the LA Clippers, joining a coaching staff headlined by Jason Kidd and having the opportunity to coach a young Cooper Flagg may be too good an opportunity to pass up.

Dallas has the perfect pitch to lure Chris Paul to the coaching world

There is no doubt amongst basketball fans that Paul has more than enough experience on the court to have what it takes to instantly join an elite-level coaching staff. The only question that remains is how long Paul is willing to put off his coaching days.

For Jason Kidd, adding someone with as much playing experience as Paul does would be a great idea, especially considering the two faced off against one another countless times throughout their playing days. Paul could make an immediate impact on Kidd's bench, not only because he would be fresh out of the league, but also because he has history training alongside Flagg as well.

Before the draft process, Paul and Flagg connected for a few workouts over the summer, where the Hall of Fame guard would have high praise for the future No. 1 pick. The Mavericks not only used this as a pitch to try to snag Paul during the free agency frenzy, but this may be yet another opportunity for him to coach and influence a young Flagg if he were interested in becoming a coach.

For a player who has spent 21 seasons in the NBA, it would make sense if he wanted to enjoy retirement at least for a few years before dipping his toes back into the basketball world, but there is clearly still a hunger inside Paul. With not having won a championship in his playing days, he may be hungrier than ever to win as a coach, and while the Mavericks may not be close to winning a championship anytime soon, Paul could help lay the foundation for a soon-to-be juggernaut.

There is still some speculation about whether or not Kidd could become Dallas' next general manager this summer, which may put a halt to any Paul interest, but the Mavericks haven't been shy about revamping their coaching staff in the past. Assuming Jason Kidd is the long-term coach of the Mavericks, Paul would make the perfect addition.

With Flagg already making leaps in his offensive game, adding Paul into the mix of coaches who could develop the young forward may be too good an opportunity to pass up for the Mavericks.