“I’m not a doctor but when we do see Kai shooting, can just refrain from saying ‘ahead of schedule?’ That’s bad reporting. He is doing quite well as we can see, but he’s not ahead of schedule. Let’s not say that. That’s unfair to him and to the Mavs because it’s not true,” Jason Kidd said at the press conference.

Since Kyrie Irving started his recovery from an ACL injury, reports indicated significant progress, sparking hopes for a mid-season return. However, as that option got ruled out, it now seems likely that Irving might miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season. While this development disappoints fans eager to see him back on the court, it prioritizes full recovery, ensuring he is ready for a robust comeback in the 2026-27 season.

Not only did Jason speak about his recovery, but Kyrie also provided insights into his return. “I’m figuring out what I can do to push myself to where I need to be… Just don’t pay attention to putting yourself in a position to put a date out there (to return). And if you don’t make that date, then what happens? You’re in here answering questions, like, ‘It was pushed back.’ I’d rather just let it be where it is,” he said at the press conference.

Not only Kyrie: Anthony Davis delivers update on detached retina

With Kyrie Irving’s return for the upcoming season still in doubt, the Dallas Mavericks are banking on Anthony Davis to lead their offense in his absence. However, the veteran forward recently underwent surgery in July due to a detached retina, casting uncertainty over his availability at the start of the season. Despite the concerns among fans, Davis opened up about his recovery process and announced a significant permanent change in his approach.

“Yeah, eye feels great. The retina is still, like – there’s drops I have to use in my eye, which causes, like, a little redness and stuff. But, vision is back… That is a mandate from the doctor (Using protective eyewear) that I have to, so – for the rest of the career. There’s no, yeah – which I’m not too excited about. You guys will see me in the Horace Grants this year, the Kareems,” Anthony Davis said at the press conference.

Former Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd was brutally honest as Team USA’s “Redeem Team” was entered this weekend into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I might have been the captain, but I was more like the water boy, the towel boy…,” Kidd said. “I asked everybody what Gatorade color they liked.” All-Star LeBron James quickly credited Kidd for his impeccable international resume.

“Stop it…,” James said. “He’s the only one that’s never lost a game in international play.” Kidd won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. His first came in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics before joining the Redeem Team in 2008. He provided a veteran presence to the winning effort but played just over 13 minutes per game, averaging 1.6 points and two assists.

The reason behind the Redeem Team

The United States’ Redeem Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was formed with a clear purpose: to restore the honor and supremacy of American men’s basketball. After the painful loss at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2006 World Championship defeat, the U.S. assembled an elite roster aimed at reclaiming gold. Led by stars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, the team not only sought victory but also redemption for the nation in the global basketball scene.

Kobe Bryant’s presence was a crucial factor in the team’s success. With his legendary “Mamba Mentality,” Kobe instilled a new work ethic and sense of commitment that the 2004 squad lacked. His famous encounter with Lakers teammate Pau Gasol in the Olympic Village, warning he would go all out if they faced each other, exemplified the seriousness of the mission. That mindset spread throughout the roster and became a defining element of their preparation and performance.

The road to victory

The journey to gold was far from easy. The Redeem Team dominated opponents in the group stage, but the real test came in the knockout rounds. In the semifinals, they faced Argentina’s “Golden Generation,” who had defeated the U.S. in 2004. This time, with stellar performances from the stars, the United States secured the win. The final, against a talented Spain squad led by Pau Gasol, became one of the most memorable games in Olympic basketball history.

The championship game was a true spectacle. Spain played exceptional basketball and stayed close to the U.S. throughout, but the Redeem Team’s champion mindset prevailed in critical moments. The 118-107 victory not only earned them the gold medal but also cemented the legacy of this team as the squad that returned the United States to the pinnacle of international basketball. Their performance remains a lesson in dedication and redemption and a glory achievement for the NBA.

“When you have someone like Cooper, who can handle, who can shoot, who can pass, you want the ball in his hands. He’s a great decision-maker. He did that at Duke. He did that at high school. He’s going to have some mistakes. We all did. We all threw it in the stands once in a while. But I think just his poise as an 18-year-old is incredible,” Jason Kidd said, via ESPN.

In the game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Summer League, Cooper managed to score 10 points in the first half of the game. However, he failed to score in the second half, raising many doubts about his true potential. Despite this, assistant head coach Josh Broghamer highlighted his good technical level, highlighting his commitment on defense and winning plays that normally go unnoticed.

Even Mavericks veteran Kyrie Irving spoke about Cooper Flagg’s debut. “It was incredible [watching Flagg play]. Great team win. What can I say? Put the best foot forward, Coop got his first game out the way, a lot of guys got the jitters out. Looking forward to Game 2 coming up soon,” he said, via Dallas Mavericks X account, formerly Twitter.

Judging Cooper Flagg’s debut by just his stats can be misleading, as he is still growing as a player. The Summer League is great for getting used to high-level play, but it does not fully show how a player is developing. Mavs’ head coach Jason Kidd made it clear from the start: Flagg is not expected to lead the offense right away. Instead, he gets to learn from the team’s seasoned veterans.

In addition, Cooper realizes he can offer more to the team, though finding his groove is not easy. Take Kobe Bryant, for instance. The Lakers icon averaged just 7.6 points in his rookie year. It took him three seasons to average over 20 points per game, but once he did, he maintained that for 14 straight years. His journey shows that great players take time to develop.

Kobe’s journey mirrors Kidd’s vision for Flagg: foster patience, encourage development, and instill a work ethic. His talent is clear from the start, but surrounding him with experienced players is key to unlocking his potential. Mavericks’ head coach continuously asks for patience, confident that with the right support, Cooper will reach great heights.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Sweeney has reached an agreement to become the associate head coach under Mitch Johnson in San Antonio. “Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has agreed on a deal to become the associate head coach of the San Antonio Spurs under Mitch Johnson,” Charania reported, citing agent Andy Miller of Klutch Sports. “Sweeney has interviewed for coaching jobs in recent years and now departs the Mavs for an elevated role.”

Sweeney’s departure is more than just a typical staff move—it raises important questions about the Mavericks’ internal stability as they prepare to build around a new generation of talent. Cooper Flagg, widely projected to be a transformative player, will require a structured and consistent environment to thrive. This change in the coaching hierarchy adds a layer of uncertainty to how Dallas plans to manage its roster and player development moving forward.

Potential departure of Jason Kidd

Since Tom Thibodeau’s exit from the New York Knicks, speculation has swirled about who could take over as the franchise’s next head coach—and one prominent name in the mix is Jason Kidd. According to a report from Ian Begley, the Knicks are actively considering Kidd as a candidate to replace Thibodeau, who was dismissed following New York’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite guiding the Knicks to their first NBA conference finals appearance in over two decades, Thibodeau was let go as the organization looks to chart a new course. New York was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

“The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd,” Begley reported, citing sources close to the Mavericks’ situation. “Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Monday.” While no final decision has been made, the possibility remains open as the Knicks evaluate their options.

What’s next for the Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks are entering one of their most uncertain offseasons in recent memory. From the blockbuster departure of Luka Doncic to securing the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, all signs are pointing toward the arrival of top prospect Cooper Flagg. Add to that Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury and now the departure of lead assistant Sean Sweeney, and the Mavericks are navigating significant instability on multiple fronts.

While some expect chaos, others see an opportunity for a reset and potential surprises. With a generational talent like Flagg possibly joining the roster and front office changes in motion, Dallas could either spiral further—or emerge with a new identity heading into the 2025–26 season.

According to a report from Ian Begley, the New York Knicks are still actively considering Kidd as a candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed following the team’s NBA Eastern Conference Finals exit. Despite leading New York to their first conference finals appearance in over two decades, Thibodeau was let go as the organization seeks a new direction. The Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

“The door is not completely closed on the Knicks and Jason Kidd,” Begley reported, citing sources familiar with the situation in Dallas. “Other outlets reported as recently as last week that Kidd was still a possibility, and that remains the case as of Monday.”

The Knicks’ coaching search has been wide-ranging and aggressive. Kidd’s name continues to surface in internal discussions, with reports suggesting he remains a serious contender for the job. New York’s interest stems from Kidd’s extensive experience both on the court and on the sidelines, especially in high-pressure markets. His prior stint with the Knicks as a player, combined with leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals, has only strengthened his candidacy.

Who else are the Knicks considering?

In addition to Kidd, the Knicks have reportedly reached out to several other prominent coaches. Candidates include Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets, Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks, and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls. This wide net underscores New York’s determination to find the right leader to carry the franchise forward. Still, Kidd’s familiarity with the New York media landscape and his previous ties to the organization make him a particularly intriguing option.

Why would the Knicks choose Kidd?

Kidd’s history with the Knicks—combined with his proven ability to handle big-market expectations—makes him uniquely equipped for the pressure-packed environment that comes with coaching in New York. His deep understanding of the fan base and media dynamics could prove invaluable as the Knicks aim to build a consistent contender. Interviews with other candidates, including Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, have reportedly been scheduled, but Kidd remains firmly in the conversation.

Should Kidd leave, the Mavericks may end up on the losing end of this developing story. Dallas is still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Kidd has played a central role in overseeing the team’s roster transformation. From helping manage the fallout of the Doncic trade to shaping the direction of the team’s future, his leadership has been pivotal.

With Cooper Flagg potentially on the way and Kyrie Irving’s availability in doubt due to an ACL injury, losing Kidd now would create even more uncertainty in Dallas. As the NBA offseason unfolds, the Mavericks could find themselves scrambling for answers just as they appear ready to turn the page.

“The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission to speak to the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd about their coaching vacancy in coming days, league sources say,” Marc Stein reported, via Stein Line. Furthermore, NBA insider Scoop B revealed that the Mavericks have left the decision to Kidd. Consequently, Jason is now considering whether to interview with the Knicks in the coming days, offering an intriguing twist to this unfolding saga.

Knicks fans have eagerly anticipated Jason’s potential arrival, seeing him as a crucial piece in their journey toward a coveted NBA title. They are optimistic that recent roster changes, coupled with Kyrie Irving’s serious injury, increase the likelihood of him joining the team. Many argue that joining the Knicks would position Jason closer to a championship victory, a prospect that entices him as he aims for his first title as a coach.

Moreover, NBA insiders like Gery Woelfel report the Knicks have an audacious plan. They might make a ‘tsunami-type’ offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While these moves remain speculative, they highlight the ambition. The franchise is eager to end its championship drought dating back to 1973. The Knicks aim to reestablish themselves as serious contenders on the league stage.

Report: NBA Insider reveals unexpected reason behind New York Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau, now gone from the franchise, leaves a remarkable legacy with the New York Knicks. Under his leadership, the team evolved from outsiders to regular postseason contenders. They reached the playoffs four times during his five-year tenure. This marked a significant turnaround after eight years without postseason action. Furthermore, Thibodeau guided the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years.

Despite these achievements, controversy surrounds his dismissal. Within days, Ramona Shelburne commented on ESPN about one critical factor. She reported that Jalen Brunson’s excessive usage contributed significantly to Thibodeau’s firing. An NBA source also informed her about Brunson’s injury struggles. This situation emphasized the need for a more balanced offensive system. Such a system would help Jalen hold up long-term throughout the demanding season.

Kidd made the comments during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, where he was asked to name, in his opinion, the best passer of all time. “Best passer. I’m gonna go with (John) Stockton,” he said after pausing briefly to think.

Explaining what made the Utah Jazz legend so special, Jason was clear. “I think the bounce pass, he had big hands, could take it off the dribble, could pause with it. Some would say it’s maybe double-dribble,” the Mavericks coach joked. “I think he knew how to manipulate the ball off the dribble and being able to find his target and he had some pretty good targets.”

That joke led Patrick to ask: “When did carrying become legal in the NBA?” The former point guard, again with a smile, replied: “In 1960. It’s always been a part of the game.” The host continued on that theme. “Now you can have the hand on the bottom of the ball and then go…” (he mimicked an upward motion with his hand). “Was it (Allen) Iverson who started it?”

Jason again thought for a moment and gave his take. “I don’t think it was Iverson. I think it’s the guy we were just talking about. If you look at Stockton, he knew how to manipulate the dribble,” said the NBA champion with Dallas in 2011. “Was he dirty?” Dan Patrick asked about Stockton. “He was smart,” Kidd replied with another grin.

The case for John Stockton

It’s no surprise that Jason Kidd named John Stockton as the greatest passer of all time. After being selected by the Utah Jazz with the 16th overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft—the same class that featured Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem Olajuwon—the point guard gradually earned his spot until solidifying his role in the 1987–88 season.

Starting that year, Stockton averaged more than 10 assists per game for a full decade, earning nine straight NBA assists titles from 1988 through 1996. That’s not all—he still holds the record for most assists in a single season (1,164 in 1990–91) and the highest assists-per-game average for a season (14.54 in 1989–90).

Those numbers make John Stockton the NBA’s all-time assists leader by a wide margin. The point guard totaled 15,806 assists over his 19-year career with the Jazz. In second place is Chris Paul, who currently sits at 12,499, making him the top active player in that category.

Jason Kidd was an elite passer, too

For years, Jason Kidd was the closest challenger to John Stockton in the assist rankings—until Chris Paul passed him during the 2024–25 season. In his 19 NBA seasons, the legendary point guard totaled 12,091 assists across stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks.

That figure places Kidd third on the all-time list, behind only Stockton and Paul. In addition, the two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA led the NBA in assists five times—1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004. With the exception of his final title, all those seasons overlapped with Stockton’s career, which further underscores Kidd’s remarkable consistency and skill.

“Nico’s already on record saying it’s a 3-year window for winning a championship…Cooper Flagg doesn’t fit that window, KD (Kevin Durant) does,” former Golden State Warriors player DeMarcus Cousins said on Run It Back Show.

Although adding Kevin Durant could strengthen the roster, giving up the chance to draft and develop Cooper Flagg may spark again controversy. That is a risk Nico Harrison may not afford right now. Fans have rallied around the idea of landing the Duke phenom. Walking that back could seriously damage their trust.

Besides, several NBA insiders believe the Mavericks will still draft and keep Flagg. They argue that Harrison already built a veteran roster. So, adding a young talent like Cooper provides long-term balance. It also helps sustain success through future seasons. Moreover, head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg on the Dallas Mavericks Podcast. He said he “loves the kid from Duke,” which strengthens the case for keeping him.

Head coach Jason Kidd spoke on The Dan Patrick Show and made one thing clear. The pressure would not fall on Cooper Flagg in case he arrives. The team already has veterans who carry that responsibility. Instead, Kidd said Flagg would benefit more by developing with the Mavericks as he could learn directly from the experienced players on the roster.

Unlike this season, Jason Kidd will enter the 2025-26 campaign with a clear chance to shape the roster from the start. During this 2024-25 season, he had to adjust on the fly after unexpected changes such as Luka Doncic’s departure. That situation forced Kidd to respond quickly, without the benefit of long-term planning.

Now, with more experience with this roster, he can focus on building consistency. As a result, he aims to restore the balance that once made the team a top contender in the conference.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd recently appeared on DLLS Sports, where he addressed the blockbuster trade. Kidd acknowledged the emotional reaction from fans but urged patience and support as the organization enters a new era.

“I truly can understand the frustration or the hurt of the trade,” Kidd said. “Luka is one of the best in the world. He was here, he played at a high level. All of the sudden, there is a change… But we have to move forward. There is a draft and there will be another season.”

“We truly believe that we have the best fans and we would love for them to support us not just this summer but going forward. We are trying to win a championship. We won one in 2011 and we plan on winning another one here shortly,” Kidd added.

This isn’t the first time Kidd has spoken publicly about the trade, but his latest comments seem aimed at reassuring Mavericks fans. With Dallas holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the focus has shifted to replacing Doncic’s production—and Cooper Flagg could be the foundational piece they need.

Kidd and his relationship with Nico Harrison

In the same interview, Kidd was asked about his working relationship with general manager Nico Harrison. The 52-year-old coach responded candidly, describing their dynamic as being “at a high.” Despite the turbulence surrounding the Doncic trade, Kidd emphasized that he and Harrison remain united in their efforts to reshape the roster.

What do the Mavericks need to do?

With the No. 1 pick in hand, it’s widely expected that Dallas will select former Duke standout Cooper Flagg. A versatile forward with elite two-way potential, Flagg fits the mold of a franchise cornerstone and should thrive in Jason Kidd’s system. His arrival could form a new big three alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

Add veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson and emerging center Dereck Lively II to that mix, and the Mavericks could field a starting five capable of competing with any team in the league. While the post-Doncic era brings uncertainty, the foundation is in place for Cooper Flagg to lead the next chapter in Dallas basketball.

“I think this is a great situation for him. When you talk about different guys that we have already on the team, the pressure of living up to the No.1 will be a lot easier with the talent around him,” Kidd said during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, making it clear that, in his view, the Mavericks have plenty to offer Flagg.

“Being able to have older players –and when I say that, out of respect, they’re not dinosaurs– but when you look at the age of 30, Kai (Kyrie Irving), AD (Anthony Davis), Klay (Thompson), can definitely help him with the process of going through a rookie season,” the Mavericks coach added.

“When you talk about the other clubs, he would have to, you know, produce right away on a high, high level,” Kidd noted as a contrast. “So, I think this is a great situation for him to grow his game, where the pressure isn’t as high. But, we are playing for a championship, so it will be a lot of fun.”

Jason Kidd has high hopes for Flagg

While Kidd confirmed that both he and the organization intend to target Flagg, he remained cautious. “I have not spoken to Cooper Flagg. I don’t want to break any of the rules and get us in trouble,” he explained, though he didn’t shy away from discussing the subject further.

In particular, Kidd emphasized Flagg’s youth. “He’s gonna be drafted, he’ll be 18 and he doesn’t turn 19 until December,” said the coach, before highlighting Flagg’s attributes. “Just understanding he’s young but he’s really talented, can play both ends.”

The Hall of Famer was also candid about the expectations he has for Cooper. “We’re excited about the kid at Duke. I can’t wait to talk to the coach over there, coach (Jon) Scheyer, and also a good friend of mine, coach K (Mike Krzyzewski), a mentor, and get some background on the kid at Duke. Really excited about this opportunity,” he said.

What should the Mavs expect from Flagg?

With the NBA Draft just over a month away, anticipation is building around the new stars set to enter the league next season. In that context, former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski weighed in on Cooper Flagg and the comparisons being made to Jayson Tatum.

“I think they’re two different players,” said the three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA. “Cooper is just unique… When you add his athletic ability and his competitive attitude, you have a very special guy. I think he’s a good shooter, trying to become a really good shooter. Jayson is that shooter.”

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd feel visibly frustrated with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks. Besides, he explained that Kidd even tries to avoid Luka to prevent any conflict. MacMahon also shared more context about the situation, which points to growing tension behind the scenes.

“I was told at the time — obviously, it was off the record, but they traded him now so I’ll say it — “Hey, if we got to trade him, we’ll trade his a**,” and I was like “No you won’t. You ain’t blowing that house down. Give me a break.”… And then six weeks later, my phone dings,” concluded Tim MacMahon.

For many fans, Jason and Nico’s handling of the situation feels like a major misstep creating doubts about their long-term vision. And it could lead to serious consequences down the road. Meanwhile, Luka is thriving in Los Angeles making an immediate impact and proving to be the difference-maker they needed.

Despite Luka Doncic’s massive impact on the Mavericks, his departure is the clear answer to Patrick Dumont fully support on general manager Nico Harrison. And if Harrison is going to be judged, he wants it to be on his own terms. Luka Doncic, however, was never part of the vision he had for the roster. The real issue here was timing. Jason Kidd did not have enough time to reshape the team. As a result, the Mavericks paid the price. They were eliminated in the NBA play-in.

Luka Doncic reflects on his journey with the Dallas Mavericks

Since his arrival from Real Madrid at just 19 years old, Luka Doncic immediately became the cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks. He also turned into a major reference point for the city. Moreover, he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, although they fell short against the Boston Celtics. His departure was stormy; however, he left an indelible mark on the franchise. Doncic reached the first, second, fourth, and fifth spots for most points per game in Mavericks history.

After his departure from the team, Luka reflected on his time with the Mavericks: “I would say I gave everything to that franchise, you know. I played through a lot of injuries, a lot of people don’t know, never asked for nothing, just small things, and I had a great time, honestly,” stated Luka Doncic on ESPN.

During his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Without a doubt, he became the most impactful player the franchise has had in the last decade. He was not just a scoring prodigy. He also thrived under pressure and elevated his teammates with elite playmaking. That combination made him a true game-changer and the heart of the Mavericks’ identity.