Kyrie Irving might still hear the boos echoing from TD Garden, but inside the Dallas Mavericks locker room, he’s anything but a villain. In fact, to rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, Irving has been a guiding light - both on and off the court.
“Kai is an incredible human being,” Flagg said in a recent interview. “He’s looked out for us this whole year and for me, ever since I got here.
He’s just been a really good vet for me. He’s just a kind-hearted person.”
That kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly, especially from a rookie with Flagg’s pedigree. The 18-year-old has stepped into the NBA spotlight with poise well beyond his years, and having a mentor like Kyrie in his corner clearly means something. For all the noise that tends to follow Irving, stories like this highlight the side of him that teammates have long vouched for - the one who shows up, supports, and leads.
And make no mistake, the Mavericks are paying attention.
There’s growing buzz around Dallas potentially reshaping its roster, with reports suggesting that Anthony Davis has been floated in trade discussions. The goal? Build around Flagg as the franchise cornerstone, while keeping Kyrie as the veteran anchor - a steadying presence for a young star on the rise.
From a basketball standpoint, there’s plenty to like about the Flagg-Irving pairing. They share a Duke connection - both were one-and-done No. 1 overall picks from the Blue Devils factory - and on the floor, their chemistry has been evident. Kyrie’s ability to play off the ball, create space, and mentor without overshadowing makes him an ideal fit alongside Flagg’s emerging all-around game.
And while many assume Kyrie’s deep into his 30s, he’s still just 33 - not exactly ancient in today’s NBA. Yes, he’s currently sidelined with an ACL injury, but the expectation is that he’ll return later this season. No firm timeline has been set, but his comeback could be a pivotal moment in the Mavericks’ campaign.
There’s also the full-circle narrative that continues to follow Kyrie. His time in Boston, while statistically productive - 24.1 points and 6.1 assists per game over two seasons, plus back-to-back All-Star nods - was marred by injuries and off-court friction. That chapter ended in 2019, and while Celtics fans haven’t exactly forgiven or forgotten, Irving’s recent comments to Jaylen Brown suggest he’s made peace with it.
He even tipped his cap to Boston’s 2024 championship run - a title that came at the expense of Kyrie’s own Mavs team, led by Luka Dončić. There’s no denying the sting of that loss, but it also underscores just how close Dallas might be to breaking through.
With Flagg’s rise, Kyrie’s leadership, and the front office seemingly ready to make bold moves, the Mavericks are setting the stage for something big. And if Irving’s story in Dallas ends with redemption - not just for himself, but for a team chasing its next banner - it won’t be the first time he’s helped a young star find their way.