Flagg impressed in two Dallas preseason starts at point guard, delivering 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while handling an oversized lineup with Davis, Lively II and Thompson. Jason Kidd praised his command of the offense and the locker-room trust, yet noted he must sharpen shot selection and clock awareness as reps mount. The question remains whether to open the season with the 18-year-old at the helm and how the spacing will hold with limited perimeter shooting.

Dallas is weighing a bold path versus veterans, with D’Angelo Russell in the mix and the team monitoring early-season lineups for optimal balance. As Flagg grows into the role, expect continued evaluation on how the defense holds up and whether the offense sustains flow when the floor is stretched differently.

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, steps into a high-wire rookie season with Dallas, where expectations must be tempered as he learns NBA pace and primary creation on a veteran roster.

Jason Kidd pushes him to run the show at point guard, embracing risk and turnover as growth tools, while teammates buy into his leadership. With Kyrie Irving sidelined early, Flagg could shoulder primary ball-handling duties to start the season.

It's a bold test of Flagg's ceiling and Dallas' willingness to accelerate development around a youthful, dynamic playmaker.

LeBron James targets mid-November return from sciatica; Lakers will tread water early as he rebuilds basketball shape. The Oct. 21 opener vs Curry and the Warriors tests LA's depth, while a cautious ramp suggests AD and others carry the load until LeBron returns.

Nerve issues can be fickle; the Lakers plan is patient rehab. For fantasy players, focus on Lakers depth and track the ramp.