Kyrie Irving Takes On Leadership Role Alongside Cooper Flagg in Dallas

A veteran leader in Dallas

Kyrie Irving is now the longest serving player on the Dallas Mavericks roster at 34 years old. After Dwight Powell was waived this preseason, Irving took on the role of the primary veteran presence for a squad building around 19 year old Cooper Flagg.

Irving organized an informal minicamp in Southern California in early September. The trip included basketball workouts and beach yoga, designed to build camaraderie with his younger teammates. Head coach Dusty May noted that the younger players listen closely to every word Irving offers.

Irving has remained a calm presence during major organizational changes. The team recently replaced its front office, head coach, and much of the roster. Former general manager Nico Harrison was fired last November, and center Anthony Davis played in only 29 games for Dallas before the team moved on.

Pairing up with Cooper Flagg

Irving missed extended time while recovering from a torn left ACL suffered in March 2025. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri expressed high interest in seeing how Irving and Flagg play together on the floor. Ujiri previously won an NBA title in 2019 with a star point guard and wing combination.

Flagg had a strong rookie campaign, averaging 21.0 points and 4.5 assists per game while often playing out of position at point guard. Playing alongside a traditional point guard like Irving gives Flagg more room to produce efficiently. Flagg worked out with Irving after practices during his rookie season, learning moves directly from the veteran guard.

On court chemistry showing early results

The duo is already demonstrating strong chemistry on the court. In a recent road victory against the Miami Heat, Irving and Flagg combined for 47 points and 17 assists. Flagg put up 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, five steals, and three blocks in an all around dominant performance. He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and blocked a potential go ahead 3 pointer by Andrew Wiggins in the final minute.

Opposing defenses still treat Irving as a top priority. In the season opener, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka directed his defense to trap Irving, despite Irving being on a precautionary minutes restriction. Irving noted that he loves Flagg's competitive nature, defensive effort, and willingness to lead.

What it means for the next game

Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks (NBA, Thu, 29 Oct): Dallas Mavericks win 29%, Oklahoma City Thunder win 71%; projected score Dallas Mavericks 111, Oklahoma City Thunder 119. Our safest pick: Thunder to win.

Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (NBA, Sat, 31 Oct): Dallas Mavericks win 37%, Houston Rockets win 63%; projected score Dallas Mavericks 111, Houston Rockets 117. Our safest pick: Rockets +3.5.