The Latest Breaking News from Jason Kidd

WASHINGTON — About two hours before the Mavericks’ 113-105 loss Thursday night to the Wizards, Washington head coach Wes Unseld Jr. revealed Dallas’ former star center, Kristaps Porzingis, would not play because of a left groin strain.

Sure, NBA players receive scrutiny, but if you want to know where the real heat is, look down the bench to the coaches tasked with deciding to contest questionable calls.

DALLAS — Perhaps no one has more closely followed Luka Doncic’s NBA trajectory than Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley, who as a Mavericks assistant was Doncic’s primary developmental coach during his first three seasons.

NEW ORLEANS — With a few minutes remaining in the Mavericks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night, the half-full Smoothie King Center crowd reached peak volume.

Jason Kidd isn’t sure if the start of Luka Doncic’s fifth NBA season represents a significant point in his young superstar’s career.

DALLAS — Amid their efforts to quell expectations of dynamic 20-year-old Jaden Hardy, the Mavericks keep dropping hints that pique wonder and anticipation.

DALLAS — At the Mavericks’ practice Tuesday, Luka Doncic sported a pair of royal blue Luka 1s from his custom Jordan Brand line, hardly missed from deep during the Mavericks’ half-hour of 3-point shooting contests, and then sat down for his first interview with reporters since the team’s preseason media…

The Mavericks are trying something new this preseason.

Kidd met Russell early in life through his godfather Jim Hadnot, a lifelong friend of the Celtics legend.