𝙆𝙮𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝙄𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝘿𝙪𝙠𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣… 𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚:

“We’re definitely connected,” Irving, a Duke alumnus, said of Flagg, calling him a fellow “Duke Blue Devil.” He expressed confidence: “I know he can handle the pressure, and I’m excited to watch him go off —not just him, but all the young guys coming up. The future is y’all’s!” 

• Irving emphasized the bond and how this shared background will help Flagg thrive in Dallas, saying the environment is ideal, especially alongside another Duke alum, Dereck Lively II .
• The Mavericks hold the No. 1 pick in the June 26, 2025 NBA Draft, and all signs point to Cooper Flagg heading to Dallas. In fact, he’s canceled other workouts, signaling he’s confident and at ease with the Mavericks’ plans .
• Kyrie, currently rehabbing from a knee injury, likely won’t suit up next season. But even sidelined, he’s positioning himself as a mentor and senior voice for the rookie crop .
• Cooper Flagg, born December 21, 2006, starred at Duke in his freshman year (2024–25), averaging 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG 
• His accolades highlight his prowess: consensus National Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, Wooden Award winner, and ACC All‑Defensive team, among others 

• The Dallas Mavericks are retooling—after trading away Luka Dončić, they’ll lean heavily on Kyrie for veteran leadership and lean on Flagg to inject new energy 
• Duke-to-Dallas bonds grow stronger: Irving’s endorsement is a powerful stamp. With mentorship from Kyrie and Lively, Flagg’s transition will be smoother, both on and off the court 
• Expect Kyrie to play a pivotal backstage role next season: guiding Flagg, fostering chemistry, and preparing Dallas for a refreshed core.
• As June 26 approaches, all eyes are on the Mavs’ press conference and how the organization officially frames this new era.

Kyrie Irving is publicly backing Cooper Flagg’s ability to thrive under pressure and seems committed to helping him succeed in Dallas. With Flagg already on board and Kyrie refining his comeback, the Mavericks are aiming for a solid foundation built on Duke connections and veteran-rookie synergy