Kidd was asked about reports of ‘criticism’ he’d received for playing Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, at point guard. Dallas’ fifth-year coach interrupted the question, responding with a profanity-filled rant slamming those reports while flexing his career resume.
‘I don’t give a (expletive) about the criticism. Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bull(crap),’ Kidd said. ‘That’s not … I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level. I know what the (expletive) I’m doing.
‘But I don’t give a (expletive) what you guys write. Because you guys have never played the game. And so, I build players. So, I know what the (expletive) I’m doing. So, to take criticism, it only makes me better. Because if I wasn’t doing it right you guys wouldn’t be poking holes in what I’ve done.’
Flagg had 34 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block in the loss. In his prior outing he set an NBA record for a teenager, scoring 49 points in a loss against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Mavericks have lost four consecutive games. Their next matchup is Tuesday, Feb. 3 against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.