Mavericks must make controversial Klay Thompson move to boost Cooper Flagg era

The Dallas Mavericks' starting five will soon take shape, as Cooper Flagg will join the first unit. The Mavs' rookie will likely be accompanied by D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. On the wing, Dallas will likely pick between Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington. Thompson, though, makes the most sense next to Flagg as they'll need his shooting.

Last season, Thompson shot 39.1 percent from the 3-point line. He proved he could still be a valuable asset to the team, and his high level of shooting is something Flagg will need in his first year. Flagg struggled shooting the ball from long range during the Summer League, so it makes sense to start Thompson. Yet, what if Thompson's role is changed once Kyrie Irving returns?

Irving isn't expected to return from his ACL injury until the second half of next season. So, once he develops his offensive game again, it should complement Flagg well. The issue will be the team's backcourt defense. Thompson is a solid defender, but lacks the skills on the perimeter to be a consistent defensive stopper. It's possible Dallas could pair Max Christie next to Irving once he returns, as he is a strong, well-rounded defender.

Dallas should move Christie into the starting lineup by end of the season

Christie has proven to be a reliable perimeter defender through his first three seasons. He is the one guy unafraid to guard the opposition's best players. Christie can force shooters into difficult shots, as he makes it hard for scorers to get open looks. Plus, he fights hard against screens and is highly active with his footwork.

So, while his defensive game sticks out, Christie also excels on the offensive side of the ball. For example, in his first game with the Mavs, Christie scored 15 points and shot perfectly from the 3-point line. In each of his first seven games with Dallas, he scored 15 or more points. Christie had his best outing on February 8, when he poured in 23 points and shot 80 percent from the 3-point line.

Christie's two-way capabilities separate him from the rest of the pack. He isn't afraid to work hard on both ends and has proven over time that he can develop into a solid rotational piece. So, it makes sense why he could be the Mavs' top X-factor next season.

However, Christie's need for growth and development could spell bad news for Thompson. As mentioned, Thompson will likely be the team's starting guard alongside Russell. Thompson's high level of 3-point shooting would help alleviate the shooting pressure from Flagg. It's possible, though, that Thompson's role changes later down the line.

Remember what was mentioned earlier about the team's backcourt defense? Well, this is where Christie's performance comes into play. He is a growing player who should develop into a solid two-way piece as he continues to develop and round out his game. Not to mention, his defense is slightly ahead of Thompson's.

Last season, fans and media criticized Thompson's defensive attributes. Before the season began, experts questioned the Mavs' starting lineup. They wondered if an aging star like Thompson might have lost a step or two. He put those questions to rest on opening night when he recorded three steals against the San Antonio Spurs.

Yet, it's still easy to question whether Thompson lost a step. He is entering his 13th season in the NBA. It's possible he might not be the same defender from a couple of seasons ago.

So, it makes sense why Dallas could roll with Christie down the line. He is just 22 years old, and his development next to Flagg could benefit the team in the future. The Mavs would need Christie and Flagg to grow with the rest of the team's young core.

It's possible this future plan may frustrate Thompson. Why would an experienced veteran be okay with a 22-year-old taking his spot? This would be a discussion coach Jason Kidd would need to have with Thompson if the team switched things up.

Yet, whoever Dallas decides to roll with down the line, the good thing is they have options. Whether they run with Christie or Thompson in the second half, the Mavs have benefits on both sides.

Eventually, Christie could become a key component of the team's future success. He can develop into a successful wing down the road. Plus, if he continues to grow into his role with the team, then Dallas might even start him sooner rather than later. Either way, Cooper Flagg will need a solid 3-point shooter beside him, and this is where Christie and Thompson come into play.