Dallas Mavericks to Make Same Mistake As San Antonio Spurs
The Dallas Mavericks got embarrassed by the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener on October 22nd. The Mavericks lost 125-92, and Victor Wembanyama scored an easy 40 points. Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, posted only ten points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Flagg was touted as an elite player entering the league, and one disappointing contest is no reason to panic. Besides, no one expected him to be able to go toe to toe with Wembanyama.
However, Jason Kidd and the Mavericks are not putting him in a position to succeed. To see a blueprint of what not to do, the Mavs should turn to their in-state rivals.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives around Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs during a game at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Spurs Made Same Mistake as Dallas Mavericks
In Flagg’s debut, the Mavericks started him, Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II. As a rookie forward, Flagg was tasked with running the offense and playing point guard.
He would finish with three turnovers and zero assists, joining Carter Bryant as the only non-garbage time player to fail to record a single dime.
This is supposed to be the point guard.
Flagg is a great player. He should blossom into an elite talent. However, he is not a point guard. He can pass and facilitate, but he should not be counted on as the sole passer and facilitator. D’Angelo Russell is a proven veteran guard who can handle that responsibility. “Point-forward,” in the true sense, rarely works out.
In the 2023-24 season, the Spurs tried the same thing with Jeremy Sochan. Then in his second season, he was a do-all defender who could slash and play in the paint on offense. He was a solid secondary facilitator, and the Spurs wanted him to take the leap.
In 33 games with Sochan running point, the Spurs went a pathetic 5-28 to start Victor Wembanyama’s career. Sochan never blossomed as a floor general, and his valuable developmental minutes were squandered in a fruitless project.
Dallas Mavericks Need to Get Cooper Flagg a PG
Between Flagg, Davis, Washington, Thompson, and Lively II, the Mavericks have an excellent starting five despite their poor showing against the Spurs.
However, there is no balance. Either one of the centers or one of the wings needs to be relegated to the bench in favor of a point guard.
With Kyrie Irving out, the Mavericks’ best option is Russell. If Kidd, for whatever reason, doesn’t have faith in Russell, then the Mavericks need to conduct a trade to bring in a veteran facilitator.
That seems unlikely, given that Dallas pursued Russell in free agency. Had they thought there were better options out there, they would have targeted them instead.
As long as Flagg is the main ball handler, the Mavericks will be relegated to mediocrity, no matter how much talent they have. Take it from the Spurs. It would be best to cut their losses.
Broncos Linked to Potential Trade for Proven Playmaker Before Deadline
The Denver Broncos are a team that others around the league are keeping close tabs on as the 2025 trade deadline approaches, and they could be a prime landing spot for another weapon to help
Nix set various records and snapped the Broncos’ playoff drought that had stood since 2015 as a rookie in 2024.
He is off to a fine start
Broncos Expected to Pursue WR Trade
GettyCourtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates scoring a touchdown against the
Through seven games, Nix has completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,556 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, with 2019 Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton as his only proven wide receiver.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported the Broncos could be the top team looking for wideouts.
“Perhaps the biggest contender for a receiver is not the Steelers but instead the Broncos. Courtland Sutton is 30-years-old and just
“The Broncos are 5-2 with a top-ranked defense and a quarterback on his rookie deal for at least another season. Folks around the league are watching the Broncos to see how aggressive they may be.”
The Broncos rank 17th in scoring offense and 11th overall. They are also 15th in passing yards and passing touchdowns, and 22nd in net passing yards per attempt.
Marvin Mims
Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Saints WR Chris Olave
Jones previously reported on some other situations around the league that could appeal to the Broncos before the deadline. Chris Olave’s status with the
Olave, the No. 11 overall pick of the 2022, is in the final year of a four-year, $19.3 million contract. However, he is under team control through 2026, with the Saints picking up his $15.5 million fifth-year option. That is part of his appeal, per Jones.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade pitch would send draft capital to the Saints for Olave.
Broncos get:
- Chris Olave
Saints get:
- 2026 second-round draft pick
- 2026 fourth-round draft pick (via NO)
“There had been talk early in the season that the Saints were working to extend Chris Olave, but sources have wondered if the absence of an extension a third of the way through the season means he can be moved,”
“Olave has a long injury history, but being under contract next year makes him an attractive trade target for teams who want to add a receiver.”
Olave (44 receptions, 440 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 2025) has a 235-3005-13 career line.
Clock Ticking on Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Broncos have $5.2 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. They should be able to work in the remainder of Olave’s $6.1 million cap hit, while OTC projects the Broncos will have $49.5 million in 2026.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, after the Broncos play the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively.
Whether for Olave or another option, the Broncos could be players at the trade deadline.
