Jason Kidd Fires Back at Critics with Expletive-Laced Rant Amid Cooper Flagg Usage Controversy
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd took to the press conference podium on Saturday night, where he was met with a barrage of questions regarding his team's loss to the Houston Rockets. However, it wasn't just about the game that had everyone talking - it was the ongoing debate over his usage of first-round draft pick Cooper Flagg.
The Duke standout has been playing point guard in Kidd's system, despite some critics arguing that he's better suited for forward. When questioned about this decision, Kidd let loose with a string of expletives and strong language, leaving many stunned in attendance.
"I don't give a s--- about the criticism," Kidd said, his voice rising in frustration. "Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls---. I've done this. I've played this game. I know what the f--- I'm doing."
The 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA point guard is known for his high basketball IQ, but some have questioned whether he's applying it to Flagg's development. Kidd, however, remains adamant that he knows what he's doing.
"I don't give a f--- what you guys write," he continued. "Because you guys have never played the game. And so, I build players. So, I know what the f--- I'm doing."
Kidd's frustration boiled over as he refused to take any more questions from the media, storming off back to the locker room.
Despite the controversy surrounding Flagg's usage, the young forward has shown flashes of brilliance this season. He's averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across his first 45 games with the Mavericks, setting himself up for possible Rookie of the Year recognition.
However, the team is struggling overall, with a 19-30 record currently placing them 11th in the Western Conference. The loss to the Rockets has added fuel to the debate over Flagg's role on the team.
When asked about his development moving forward, Kidd emphasized that he believes he's doing the right thing by playing Flagg at point guard.
"Flagg's development will continue to have a microscope on it," Kidd said. "Where I clearly believe he's doing the right thing by the new face of the franchise."
It remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain - Jason Kidd is not going to let anyone dictate his approach to developing Cooper Flagg.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd took to the press conference podium on Saturday night, where he was met with a barrage of questions regarding his team's loss to the Houston Rockets. However, it wasn't just about the game that had everyone talking - it was the ongoing debate over his usage of first-round draft pick Cooper Flagg.
The Duke standout has been playing point guard in Kidd's system, despite some critics arguing that he's better suited for forward. When questioned about this decision, Kidd let loose with a string of expletives and strong language, leaving many stunned in attendance.
"I don't give a s--- about the criticism," Kidd said, his voice rising in frustration. "Criticism? That's your opinion. You guys write that bulls---. I've done this. I've played this game. I know what the f--- I'm doing."
The 10-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA point guard is known for his high basketball IQ, but some have questioned whether he's applying it to Flagg's development. Kidd, however, remains adamant that he knows what he's doing.
"I don't give a f--- what you guys write," he continued. "Because you guys have never played the game. And so, I build players. So, I know what the f--- I'm doing."
Kidd's frustration boiled over as he refused to take any more questions from the media, storming off back to the locker room.
Despite the controversy surrounding Flagg's usage, the young forward has shown flashes of brilliance this season. He's averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across his first 45 games with the Mavericks, setting himself up for possible Rookie of the Year recognition.
However, the team is struggling overall, with a 19-30 record currently placing them 11th in the Western Conference. The loss to the Rockets has added fuel to the debate over Flagg's role on the team.
When asked about his development moving forward, Kidd emphasized that he believes he's doing the right thing by playing Flagg at point guard.
"Flagg's development will continue to have a microscope on it," Kidd said. "Where I clearly believe he's doing the right thing by the new face of the franchise."
It remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain - Jason Kidd is not going to let anyone dictate his approach to developing Cooper Flagg.
. I get that he's passionate about his game and wants what's best for Cooper Flagg, but using profanity like that in front of the media? That's just unprofessional 
. I've seen some fiery coaches in my time, but this is just ridiculous. It's one thing to be confident in your decisions, but another to take it out on the press 
. And honestly, I think he's being a bit stubborn here - acknowledging that some people might have concerns about Flagg's usage without lashing out would go a long way 
. We're still seeing flashes of brilliance from Flagg, so let's focus on getting the team to gel and win games instead of drama 
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OMG, can you believe what Jason Kidd said in that press conference? I mean, I get it, he's frustrated with all the criticism about playing Cooper Flagg at point guard, but expletives?! 
That's just not cool, dude. I feel like he's trying to prove a point, but really he's just making himself look bad.
It's not like that, coach. You can still make a case for why Cooper Flagg should be playing forward without using profanity.
Like, maybe Cooper Flagg needs some guidance and support, not just being thrown into a point guard role without any experience.
. I mean, can you blame Coach Kidd for getting frustrated? It's tough being criticized by people who don't understand your vision for your team. But at the same time, using expletives in a press conference is not exactly the most professional way to handle it 
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. I get it, he's frustrated with all the noise around Cooper Flagg's role, but does he really need to go off like that? 
It just makes him look old and out of touch 
. I'm all for a coach standing up for himself, but using profanity is just not necessary 
. And let's be real, it's not like nobody has ever questioned his coaching decisions before 
... now he's got the whole league talking about him, and not in a good way 
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Jason Kidd's rant about Cooper Flagg being a point guard is just a mess, dude 
. Dude's got game, but he's gettin' salty when people question him about Flagg's role. I mean, come on, Jason, you're a legend, but even legends make mistakes. And yeah, some of that language was uncalled for, but I guess when you're passionate about basketball, you let it out 
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. The real question is, can the Mavs get their act together and start winnin'? 'Cause right now, they're lookin' like a mess 
. Now if you'll excuse me, I'ma go watch some highlights of Flagg's last game... he's gettin' MVP vibes 
! 
so many ppl r sayin he's gonna ruin flagg's game but kidd seems super confident about it 19.8 ppg & 4.1 aps from flagg ain't too shabby i think kidd knows wot hes doing 
. Maybe have a calm conversation with Flagg himself or his teammates about it? Yeah, that sounds way more constructive 
that's crazy! but maybe kidd just needs to find a better way to manage the criticism instead of throwing shade 
. It's like Kidd said, "I don't give a s--- about the criticism"... who can blame him? 
coach kidd is losing it 
instead of throwing a tantrum like a toddler 
gotta love how he stormed off from press conference though 
. Coach Kidd's behavior was totally unprofessional, you know? He can't just lose it like that and start yelling at people in the press conference 
. I think he's got a good point about people not understanding what goes on in the game, but there's gotta be a better way to express himself than that