Mavericks: 3 things to watch for in preseason opener vs. Jazz

Thing to watch for in Dallas Mavericks preseason opener vs. Jazz: 2. Kidd’s impact

Rick Carlisle resigned as Mavs head coach this summer after 13 seasons leading the team. He helped Dallas win the championship in 2011, and fans knew what to expect from his squads.

Now, Jason Kidd is leading the Mavericks, and he has talked about some of the changes he plans on making. He is altering their defensive scheme and hoping to make the team more aggressive. The Mavs want to create more turnovers, and fans should be watching the team’s defense closely on Wednesday night, especially against the Jazz’s high-powered offense.

There were a few offensive changes on display during the team’s open practice too. The Mavs want to put the ball in Luka’s hands and let him create, but there will be new wrinkles with the Hall of Fame point guard in the head coach’s chair. Dallas is down two starters, but it will be interesting to see how much movement there is away from the ball, and the amount that Doncic is controlling things when he is on the floor.

Head coach Jason Kidd’s biggest impact could come on the role for Kristaps Porzingis, and he is the player to watch in the preseason opener.