The No. 1 overall pick in any NBA Draft is closely watched during their rookie season, often with unfair expectations. People pay close attention to see how they adapt and, more so, struggle as they move to the next level.<\/p>\n
This can also place immense\u00a0stress on the head coach. If a highly talented player does not translate to the NBA,\u00a0the coach\u00a0is often the first to go.<\/p>\n
For Cooper Flagg and head coach Jason Kidd, this is no exception, but it has certainly been amplified when you add in how Flagg ended up with the Dallas Mavericks<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Flagg’s potential is extremely high; he might become one of the best two-way prospects seen come from college basketball. Unfortunately for him, he will always be compared to Luka Don\u010di\u0107, one of the best basketball players in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n A day before the anniversary of the controversial Don\u010di\u0107 trade, Kidd lashed out during a press conference. The Sporting News covers everything about Kidd’s response to media criticism of Flagg.<\/p>\n What did Jason Kidd say to Cooper Flagg critics?<\/p>\n Kidd delivered a passionate, profanity-laced speech to the media, strongly defending his decision to play Flagg\u00a0at point guard.<\/p>\n “Criticism? That\u2019s your opinion. You guys write that bulls–t. I\u2019ve done this. I\u2019ve played this game. I played it. I know what the f–k I\u2019m doing…”<\/p>\n (via @GrantAfseth<\/a>) https:\/\/t.co\/nFKgfERNRb<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/x2FNYD3yMV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Kidd rejected the national criticism of Flagg’s role, citing his own legendary career as a point guard to support his authority.<\/p>\n Kidd also expressed frustration with the officiating after the 111-107 defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets<\/a>.<\/p>\n