Mavericks finally embrace the polarizing blueprint fans begged for

With the Dallas Mavericks preparing for a loaded freshman class in the NBA Draft, fans should appreciate that Jason Kidd and the organization as a whole are finally spreading the wealth around and giving the third-stringers the minutes they need until the end of the season.

The Mavericks fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 123-99 on Tuesday night. The Mavs were actually the favorites heading into that game by 2.5 points, according to BetMGM. The Bucks are dealing with their share of tanking, too, but it didn't seem to matter with the Mavs going deep into their bench. Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, Marvin Bagley III, and Klay Thompson all sat against Milwaukee, and it was probably for the best.

Once it became clear that Dallas wasn't going to be close to winning, the bench minutes started to add up. This is exactly what fans have been asking for, and Kidd needs to be credited for letting the starters rest once the game got out of hand.

Kidd finally gave Mavericks fans the tank they wanted

The two-way players are finally getting respectable minutes, which is what fans have wanted since the unofficial "tank" started. Tyler Smith finished with five points in 20 minutes played. John
Poulakidas has been showing off his nice outside shot and had 11 points while shooting 3-8 from deep. Big man Moussa Cisse has looked like a solid backup all season long and finished with eight points and 13 rebounds.

All three players played more than 20 minutes against the Bucks. The best part for Kidd is leaving Flagg on the bench to let the two-way guys shine. With Brandon Williams playing the backup role, he got the same amount of minutes as Max Christie and more minutes than the starting point guard, Ryan Nembhard.

This is the blueprint for Kidd to distribute minutes evenly and for his starters to get plenty of rest. Four reliable players all ended up sitting out due to minor injuries (and illness), and that's already a great start to the tank.

Dallas is in the perfect position to draft Flagg's co-star

Following the loss to the Bucks, the Mavs are in sixth place in the lottery standings. Multiple freshmen stars who are projected to be drafted in this range will fit well in Dallas, but the key is to fit with Flagg.

Keaton Wagler from Illinois has been a stud all season long. He's already shooting from deep NBA range, and he can form the perfect guard-forward duo with Flagg, with both players able to make plays as ball handlers. However, with Illinois in the Final Four, we'll have to see if Wagler will stay in that 6-10 range overall in the draft.

If Wagler is off the board, Kingston Flemings from Houston may fall into the Mavs' lap. His confidence in his playmaking is enough to make Mavs fans fall in love with him instantly.

Kyrie Irving coming back at the start of the season is nice too, but with a player option after next season, the guard position is suddenly uncertain. Nembhard was a nice piece early on with his elite shotmaking and passing, but his defense is a concern. Brandon Williams has been improving, but he's a solid backup option at best right now.

As long as Kidd continues to distribute his minutes evenly with the starting five and the bench, the Mavs should have no problem getting the star they want in the draft.