Jason Kidd and Anthony Davis Weigh in as Mavericks struggle to find rhythm after Luka Doncic trade

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and Anthony Davis gave their assessments of the team's problems at the point guard position. A year ago, they were not remotely at the top of their game, noting that Luka Doncic was running their offense.

However, Dallas parted ways with him for Davis in February. Now, with Kyrie Irving being sidelined because of injury, the Mavericks are struggling pick a reliable point guard despite having three players, D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard, who play that position generally.

Kidd continues to favor a lineup with No.1 pick Cooper Flagg at the one, and it's played a crucial role in the team's 0-2 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. After Friday's 117-107 defeat to the Washington Wizards, Kidd and Davis issued different verdicts on the point guard issue.

Jason Kidd on Mavericks' recent struggles

Jason Kidd believes the team is "shorthanded" following opting to play their most experienced point guard, Russell, for only 24 minutes across two matches. Here is his explanation on not using him more and the chances for Williams and Nembhard (via Mavericks' beat Noah Webber):

"I think just rhythm, understanding he [Russell] had some good looks that just didn’t go down. We got B-Will and Ryan, that were trying to figure out which one we can play early here in the season. ... Understanding the depth of the team right now at that position, we’re shorthanded."

Kidd deflected blame for the Mavericks' losses tosecond-quarter struggles, defensive problems and an inability to make shots. He said they generated good looks.

Anthony Davis rejects having problem on offense area

Anthony Davis also declined having problems on offense due to the point guard situation.

"Nah, I mean like I said, the only thing that I see, teams are picking us up full court, which I guess is different for us, and that’s kind of really the only thing. We’re starting offense a little later in the clock. ... That's really it, as far as I see it."

Through two games, Dallas have averaged 21.5 assists , fourth lowest in the NBA. D'Angelo Russell have averaged 3.0 apg, the same as Cooper Flagg despite playing 21 mpg less.