Sports · Basketball · 11 hrs ago
Kyrie Irving backs Cooper Flagg as Mavericks’ future leader
Cooper Flagg impressed in two Mavericks preseason games against the Houston Rockets in Macao, China.
In 45 minutes, the 19-year-old scored 33 points, with 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks.
The 2025 No.
1 pick is the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and the games were a first look at him entering his second season.
Flagg said he feels more prepared now that he has experience in the league, and he is beginning to speak up more with teammates.
Kyrie Irving said Flagg can lead the franchise into the future and praised his maturity.
The performances add to expectations for Flagg as a central player for Dallas, though the team plays in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Flagg is preparing for his second NBA season with the Mavericks.
Kyrie Irving said Cooper Flagg will lead the Dallas Mavericks in the future.
Flagg scored 33 points and recorded 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks across two preseason games in Macao.
Irving said Flagg had earned praise and was “wise beyond his years.”
Flagg said he feels more prepared for his second NBA season after gaining experience as a rookie.
The 19-year-old was the 2025 No. 1 pick and the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year.
- Who
- Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks.
- What
- Irving backed Flagg as the team’s future leader, praising his maturity and contributions.
- When
- During the Mavericks’ China trip in October 2026. The articles were published on Oct. 12 and 13.
- Where
- Macao, China, during the NBA China Games.
- Why
- Irving said Flagg had carried a lot and deserved praise. Flagg’s play and growing leadership were also highlighted.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Flagg played two games in Macao against the Houston Rockets, scoring 33 points and recording 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks in 45 minutes.
Hoops Rumors and ESPN published reports on Flagg’s performances and development in China.
Yahoo Sports published a story about Irving’s confidence in Flagg.
- Mavericks player
- Cooper Flagg
- Mavericks player
- Kyrie Irving
- China Games location
- Macao, China
- Games played by Flagg
- 2 preseason games
- Flagg’s combined totals
- 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in 45 minutes
- Flagg’s age
- 19; he turns 20 in December###
3 sources
What people are saying
He’s going to lead this franchise into the future. You can definitely bank on that,
He deserves a lot of the praise he’s gotten because he’s carried a lot. … He’s wise beyond his years.
I’m just finding my voice.
I felt at points last year I was going in blind a little bit,
Posts on X
"I give my respect to KD and Bron and they are on their own separate categories and trajectories and careers but I would say this, I think Coop falls in line in terms of having that competitive nature at a very young age... he's displaying in front of you guys what's capable of