Jason Kidd reflects on Kyrie Irving's role in Dallas Mavericks' clutch offense - "Sometimes you use great players for gravity"

Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving has taken some time to settle into his new role with the team. With reference to his role in clutch situations, Mavs coach Jason Kidd shed light on his thought process regarding Irving.

Kyrie Irving's acquisition was certainly celebrated across the league. The notion of pairing Luka Doncic with an immensely gifted superstar made Dallas look like title contenders.

With two incredibly talented offensive players running the offense, the Mavericks looked like a force to be reckoned with. However, having two gifted superstars also raises a troublesome situation for coaches.

Coaches draw the tough task of managing the expectations of stars. Dallas is no different. With two passionate players in Irving and Doncic, Kidd faced a tough task on his hands.

Kidd was recently asked about how he makes use of Irving in clutch situations. It was an interesting question, as the Mavs have always looked to Doncic to be the closer. Kidd replied:

"I think when you have those types of players and Luka (Doncic) is going, putting Kai (Kyrie Irving) in the corner to create space, he's patient enough to understand the ball will find him at times."

He continued:

"I thought when Luka and Maxi (Kleber) or Luka and DP (Dwight Powell) in the pick-and-roll, or Timmy (Tim Hardaway Jr.), it created a problem for the defense and understanding that Luka was great getting downhill — layups or creating open shots (for teammates). Sometimes you use great players for gravity and creating space, and that's what Kai did there late."

Kidd's approach makes sense in theory, but the application hasn't been as effective. With Dallas enduring another loss, Kidd may want to take another look at the board and make adjustments.

Kyrie Irving hasn't fit with Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have looked like a team in absolute free fall recently. While it's unfair to blame Kyrie Irving's arrival for that, the superstar guard hasn't been at his best too.

Irving's arrival was one of the biggest moves before the deadline, but the reality has been jarring. Although he has had a few good games, Irving hasn't been able to play the way he's best known for.

The issue lies in the combination of Doncic and Irving. Doubts about the two co-existing are gradually being realized. Whether that spells disaster for Dallas to the extent of missing the playoffs is unknown, but the Mavericks certainly don't look like a contender at the moment.