The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up the preseason with a 121-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, but questions remain about the team’s identity and rotation heading into the regular season.

In the latest episode of The Mavs Pulse Podcast, co-hosts Grant Afseth and Blake Elliott broke down the team’s progress, lineup experimentation and standout performers.

Rookie forward Cooper Flagg’s transition into a point-guard role was the central discussion point. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, head coach Jason Kidd has continued to test the 18-year-old as a primary initiator alongside Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II.

“Jason Kidd said from the beginning he wanted to make him uncomfortable and put the ball in his hands,” Afseth said. “Now he’s doing it in real time.”

The Mavericks finished the preseason 3-1 but showed uneven offensive rhythm in back-to-back “dress rehearsal” games featuring their projected starters. Dallas’ supersized lineup emphasized length and defensive versatility, though early struggles with ball movement and spacing were apparent.

Among the bright spots was rookie guard Ryan Nembhard, who posted 20 assists to just two turnovers in the preseason.

“He plays with real pace and control,” Afseth said. “Jason Kidd loves that.”

Lively also drew praise for his improved post touch, finishing and timing around the rim after an injury-shortened 2024-25 season.

Elliott pointed to the Mavericks’ defense as an area that still needs to reach its potential.

“We expected dominant defense,” he said. “I didn’t see that yet.”

Afseth added that Davis and Lively are still learning how to complement each other’s rotations and spacing defensively.

“They’re figuring out how to share the paint defensively,” he said.

The podcast also addressed Klay Thompson’s role entering the season. With Max Christie emerging as a strong perimeter defender, the hosts debated whether Kidd could eventually shift Thompson to a reserve role to balance the rotation.

“If they can bring P.J. Washington off the bench, it should be on the table,” Afseth said.

The Mavericks open the regular season Oct. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. The next episode of The Mavs Pulse Podcast will focus on Dallas’ final roster moves and injury updates leading into opening night.

You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.