Seven games in, and there is one prominent conundrum for the Dallas Mavericks. Their offense isn’t clicking despite the versatility on offer. Jason Kidd choosing to play Cooper Flagg as a point guard has limited the Mavs’ ball movement. But they also rank as the fourth-worst three-point shooting team. That’s with Klay Thompson, a reputed sharpshooter on the team.

Until last season, Thompson kept his streak of shooting over 35% from beyond the arc alive. But there’s a clear decline this season. His efficiency is down to 26% and his minutes are at an all-time low. It cast a shadow over his future as Max Christie continues his staggering rise. And Isaac Harris feels his days could be numbered if the pattern remains the same.

“I am curious to see what the next few months looks like for Klay in Dallas if they stay committed to this system. Um yeah, it just seems like that’s a prime contract that they would use to offload. But then again, it’s like what’s the what’s the value of that contract right now around the league?” Harris said on Locked on Mavericks.

Currently making %16.6 million, the Mavericks could flip Klay Thompson’s contract for a rotation player that fits their profile. Kidd isn’t comfortable with him closing games while his shooting slump continues. Moreover, both Harris and Nick Angstadt want Max Christie to be the starter, given that Thompson isn’t getting high minutes either way.

In almost the same three-point attempts, Christie is shooting 50%. Klay Thompson, on the other hand, is struggling to find his alignment. He is converting just 22% of his catch-and-shoot attempts. For a shooter of his caliber, those numbers are very concerning. Furthermore, Thompson’s defensive presence has dwindled, with a net rating of -10 this season despite the reduced minutes.

Maybe shifting him to the second unit could help rejuvenate some confidence. But more than anything, the offense itself is disoriented. And calls for Kidd to change something are emerging.

The Dallas Mavericks need to have a true point guard on the floor

Players can underperform for spells. However, if there’s no organization, it doesn’t matter how great the players are. The Mavericks, even without Kyrie Irving, have scoring threats such as Anthony Davis and Flagg. Their size and versatility are enough to unsettle defenses when guarding them.

But so far, the system has its star rookie operating the offense. It’s a role Flagg has never been in before. And the experiment of simulating it at an NBA level has drastically failed. The Mavs have the third-worst assist/turnover ratio. It’s clear that they need a veteran floor general, which is where Harris and Angstadt are pleading for Kidd to make a change.

“Are you going to commit to playing a point guard at all times? So whether you’re splitting minutes between D’Lo and Brandon Williams, like you have a point guard on the floor at all times. Try it. Heck, I mean, try it out there… And it’s just like there’s never a moment and and you at least have one guy out there that you know can initiate the offense and all that. So, I think that’s a decision he’s got to make at some point,” Harris explained.

D’Angelo Russell has been outstanding when pulling the strings. Averaging a team-high 6 assists, D’Lo is eager to share the ball. The Mavericks record their highest offensive rating with him on the floor. Williams is still developing. But as an actual point guard, he has far greater experience in handling an offense than Flagg.

Speaking about the Duke sensation, having a point guard will allow Flagg to roll into the frontcourt and play in his natural position. He is active on both ends, and his off-ball activity is noticeable. Using his athleticism could further repair the Mavericks’ broken offense rather than having him take care of the ball.

It’s a simple fix, but one Jason Kidd has been hesitant to make. Now, with Anthony Davis out for at least another game, the Mavericks need to implement some traditional measures to get their team back on its feet. Because under the current circumstances, Cooper Flagg hasn’t been able to impose himself.

The threat of having him, AD, and another big man at the same time only makes sense if the Mavs have somebody to supply the ball to them. D’Angelo Russell seems to be the obvious answer until KAI’s return. And seven games are enough to recognize a failing strategy.