"Luka Isn't Here to Save Him Anymore": Mavericks Fans Rip Jason Kidd's Questionable Cooper Flagg Usage After 4-11 Start 

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is facing severe criticism for how he's handled rookie Cooper Flagg from an Xs and Os standpoint. After playing Flagg out of position for the first seven games as a point guard, Kidd's schemes for the No. 1 pick have been called into question by the team's fan base.

The Rookie of the Year contender has stretches where he isn't as involved on offense, especially in the absence of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Though Cooper Flagg is second in most points per game (15.5) and field goal attempts (13.2), his usage rate is fifth on the team (20.5%), behind D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, Brandon Williams and P.J. Washington. Jaden Hardy is ahead of Flagg, too. However, he's played only 131 minutes, while Flagg has been on the floor for 505 minutes.

On Monday, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kidd could have leaned more on Flagg. The Dallas Mavericks were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, coming off an overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, Flagg only had 10 field goal attempts. He finished the game with 15 points and two assists, making six shots, including 2 of 3 from deep. The Mavericks lost 120-96, falling to 4-11.

Mavericks fans were quick to point out coach Jason Kidd's questionable decisions surrounding Cooper Flagg after the game. Here's how they reacted:

Edward

@EMkicks

he's always been mid to a** as a coach... Luka isn't here to save him anymore

MFFL

@Mavs_FFL

Kidd’s coaching this year, especially with regard to Cooper Flagg, has been sus #MFFL

Jack

@jackknowsballfr

He’s never been a good offensive coach

CowboysFrontOfficeAsst✪

@deville_cameron

I don’t think he wants to coach anymore. I’m starting to think he mentally checked out after they dismantled a championship team he helped put together

Dirk Knight

@MFFL_5

Either Kidd is coaching an epically good tank season or he is actually the worst coach in basketball. He has been horrendous this year

The Sports Pundit

@MavsRealist

He runs no offense or actions for his young player

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Jason Kidd thinks Cooper Flagg is better in the open court

As much as Mavericks fans want plays run for Cooper Flagg, coach Jason Kidd believes the rookie thrives in the open court more. After Flagg took three shot attempts in the first half and 13 in the second, Kidd said (via Mavericks beat reporter Noah Webber):

"Just aggressive and I think in the open court, he thrives in the open court and I think he got in the open court a little more there in the second half. ... His patience is, I think one of his strong points. He just doesn’t force things. As much as people would like him to shoot, even bad shots, he just plays the game the right way."

Transition play is one of Flagg's strong suits. He can attack off the dribble, but those opportunities can be limited, especially with most of the Mavericks' plays being run in the half-court. Dallas must find a way to maximize his potential in an organized way so he settles in early.

It would benefit them in the clutch when the game slows down, allowing Flagg to be a threat at all times.