Kyrie Irving organized an informal minicamp in Southern California in early September, working closely with new head coach Dusty May and young teammates like Cooper Flagg, whom Irving calls his "19-year-old co-pilot." Irving, now the Mavs' longest-serving player after Dwight Powell's departure, has become a calming voice during the franchise's turbulent years, including the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade.
The Mavericks are now building around Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 pick, with Irving serving as the veteran presence. Despite a 15-year age gap sparking trade speculation, Irving remains committed to Dallas and excited about the rebuild. He praised Flagg's maturity and basketball IQ, saying their chemistry feels natural.
President Masai Ujiri sees huge potential in the Irving-Flagg duo, drawing parallels to his championship-winning Raptors team. Irving's elite playmaking and Flagg's versatility create a strong foundation as the Mavs aim to restore their winning culture and return to the playoffs.
"We're building something," Irving said. "I'm just going to turn the page. I'm looking forward to building something new."
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing