Jason Kidd reveals bold plan for Mavericks' under-the-radar additions

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has shown a propensity throughout his coaching career for being able to bring out the best in his players. And it seems he’s rubbing his hands together yet again as he looks to replenish the ranks with the recent two-way contract signings of John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith.

Both players are excited about the prospect of joining a team in rebuild mode, seeking to craft a championship roster. The opportunity to play is here for the taking, and Coach Kidd is keen on seeing how Poulakidas and Smith can fit into the Mavs’ long-term plans. So he plans to play them meaningful minutes as the NBA season winds down.

Kidd will give both players a shot to prove themselves

Kidd has alerted both Smith and Poulakidas to be ready to play meaningful minutes and to pay close attention to how the Mavs do things on the court so they are ready when their number gets called. Kidd has been known to take a sink-or-swim approach with many of his players.

More minutes on the floor will give both players a better chance of finding their rhythm and making a positive impact on the court.

“He said we’re going to begin the games a little bit, especially toward the end of the season,” said an excited Smith. “Just be ready and keep watching what’s going on in the games so that when we get in, we know what we’re doing.”

Both players seem to have all the requisite skills needed to make a quick splash on a Mavs team recently hit by the injury bug. Poulakidas, the pure shooter, and Smith, an all-purpose utility player with size who can shoot and defend multiple positions. Their skillsets fit right into what Dallas is looking for.

Poulakidas could be the pure shooter the Mavs desperately need

Poulakidas, an undrafted 6-foot-6 guard out of Yale, comes equipped with a sweet stroke that will make him an immediate floor spacer on a Mavs team desperate for spacing. He shot an efficient 40.2 percent from three during his college career. 

His size makes him versatile, and he shot a blistering 47.3 percent from three-point range in 24 games with the G League’s San Diego Clippers this season. Poulakidas seems confident that his shooting can reap immediate dividends on the court for the Mavs. Dallas could use that spark immediately. 

With Klay Thompson in the twilight of his career, Poulakidas could position himself to be the Mavs' newest sniper from deep.

“That’s what I take pride in — my jump shot on the offensive end,” he elaborated. “My ability to stretch the floor can create so much open space for guys like Coop, B-Will, Ryan — guys who are going to have the ball in their hands to run the show. I want to take my defender away, so that’s one less defender they have to worry about. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Smith's size and versatility could make him a valuable piece for the future

But Smith brings even more size and versatility at 6-foot-9 and takes pride in being able to shoot and guard multiple positions. He’s the type of multifaceted player who can work in tandem with a player like Flagg while also being a release valve for him on offense and defense.

Smith also spent time in the G League recently, where he had stellar averages of 15.9 points on 50.9 percent shooting, along with 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 19 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. 

“I’m a three-point shooter, a versatile defender,” said Smith. “That’s one thing I worked on in the G League with the RGV Vipers — showing that I can switch one through five. Just being versatile, helping on the boards, and doing what I can.”

If Smith can show that he is a worthy substitute for Flagg in games for short spurts, while being able to play off of Flagg and Kyrie Irving, he stands a good chance of being part of the Mavs future.

Flagg recently returned to game action on March 5 against the Orlando Magic. So both Smith and Poulakidas will have an opportunity to show Kidd and Mavs management how they fit alongside Dallas' new franchise player. It's go time.