The Dallas Mavericks are working their way through their preseason schedule in anticipation of the 2026-2027 season tipping off later this month. Fresh off a two-game set in Macau, China, where they split wins and losses with the Houston Rockets, Kyrie Irving was asked about rising star Cooper Flagg. This led Irving to show respect to two former teammates, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, while drawing parallels to Flagg.
“I think Coop falls in line in terms of having that competitive nature at a very
young age”
Irving’s choice of comps is well thought out. He has played with Durant, James and now Flagg throughout his career, affording him unique insight beyond what a more casual observer could glean. Also, all three of those players are versatile two-way types and all three were drafted into the NBA at the age of 18. Flagg, of course, is at the beginning of his NBA career, while Durant and James are nearer to the end of theirs, but to be grouped with such company is high praise indeed. If Flagg can grow into that caliber of player, it would make him a sure-fire Hall of Famer and NBA Champion, so let’s hope Irving is correct in what he is seeing.
Already we have seen Flagg develop at a rapid rate across his Rookie of the Year campaign last season, and despite some struggles from the floor in the second game in Macau, Flagg nonetheless showcased the hard work he put in this offseason. Irving echoes this notion when discussing Flagg’s development going into his second year in the league.
“I love that he’s a two-way player… I love that he cares about using his voice as he’s grown into year two”
As viewers, a player growing into a vocal leader can be a bit more difficult to pick up on, but that seems to be part of Flagg’s evolution according to Irving. Flagg certainly led the way with his play last season, especially in the second half, so this next logical step in becoming a leader is a great sign. Joining a team with established veterans means there is a more clearly defined pecking order. Flagg wasn’t necessarily a leader until he earned it with his play, then witnessed a roster overhaul that put him firmly in the spotlight. Now in year two, he is set to be a vocal leader as well. That’s not easy for any player, especially one that is 19 years old, but accordingly to Irving, that time has arrived.
“My first few years in the league were pretty tough on me… I struggled in certain areas, I needed veteran leadership… so now that I’m in this seat…”
While Flagg develops into the player and leader he will one day become, Irving has his back. Encapsulated in Irving’s comments are why it is important to not abandon all veteran presence for the sake of a youth movement. Some are proponents of jettisoning Irving while others want to see him retire a Maverick. The stance of the latter is supported by Irving’s comments simply because you can’t replace experience the likes of which he has. A fellow Duke alum, Irving was also Rookie of the Year and has been through some ups and downs on his road to winning a championship and beyond. Both on the court and off, Irving appears more and more like an ideal running mate and veteran mentor for Flagg.
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