The Dallas Mavericks have been riding the ups and downs of a turbulent season, leaning hard into a “next man up” mentality. But if the whispers around the league are true, that next man could be Kyrie Irving - and his return might just flip the script on what the second half of the season looks like in Dallas.
Jason Kidd made it clear earlier this year: the Mavericks are eager to get Irving back. “We just can't wait to get Kai back, at some point,” Kidd said. “We'll see what happens, but I think those two (Irving and Flagg) will be a perfect match in the backcourt.”
That “two” refers to the intriguing pairing of Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg - a duo that could be pivotal in deciding whether Dallas makes a late-season push for the playoffs or shifts focus to long-term development.
Playoff Push or Draft Position?
Right now, the Mavericks are walking a tightrope. They’re hovering just outside of play-in territory in a crowded Western Conference, sitting a mere 2.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Clippers. With four wins in their last five games, Dallas has momentum - and suddenly, the idea of tanking for draft position doesn’t seem like the only option on the table.
That’s where Irving comes in.
The veteran guard has been sidelined, but according to NBA analyst Reggie Miller during the Mavs' recent broadcast against the Knicks, Irving is eyeing a mid-February return. That timeline could be a game-changer. With the season still wide open and the Mavericks within striking distance, the idea of Irving sitting out the rest of the year is becoming harder to justify - especially with playoff basketball on the line.
Kyrie’s Impact on Flagg’s Development
Beyond the standings, the potential return of Kyrie Irving has major implications for Cooper Flagg’s development. The 18-year-old rookie has flashed serious potential, and pairing him with a seasoned, championship-winning point guard could fast-track his growth in ways that no practice session or film study ever could.
Irving has already taken Flagg under his wing behind the scenes. Their chemistry in practice is reportedly strong, and that connection could translate into something special on the floor. Irving’s ability to space the floor, draw double teams, and initiate the offense would immediately take pressure off Flagg - allowing the rookie to play freer, with more room to operate and less defensive attention.
And make no mistake: Irving knows how to pick his spots. He’s not just a high-usage scorer - he’s a savvy veteran who understands when to take over and when to defer. That balance could be the perfect environment for Flagg to grow, especially as the rookie continues to show a willingness to make the extra pass and play within the team concept.
A Two-Way Partnership
This wouldn’t be a one-way mentorship. Flagg brings plenty to the table himself.
His defensive versatility - the ability to guard multiple positions - could help cover for Irving as he works his way back into game shape. Meanwhile, Flagg’s energy, length, and competitiveness could elevate the entire team’s defensive ceiling, giving Irving more freedom to operate offensively.
And while Irving is known for his dazzling ball-handling and clutch shot-making, Flagg has his own unique toolkit - including a strong left hand and a knack for making plays in transition. Together, they could form a dynamic inside-outside threat that keeps opposing defenses guessing.
Coach Jason Kidd certainly sees the potential. He’s already called the Irving-Flagg pairing a “perfect” fit.
And it’s not hard to see why. They’re both high-IQ players with complementary skill sets, and both seem to share a calm, composed demeanor that could foster a natural on-court chemistry.
A Veteran Leader with Something to Prove
Irving turns 34 in March, and while he’s still capable of elite-level play, he knows the window to chase another championship isn’t wide open forever. That urgency could fuel a strong finish to the season - especially if he senses that this Mavericks team, with a rising star like Flagg and a competitive core, might be ready to make some noise.
There’s also a legacy element at play. Irving has made it clear that he wants to pass on what he’s learned - the highs, the lows, the championship experience - to the next generation. And Flagg, with his work ethic and willingness to learn, looks like an ideal student.
If Irving does return in mid-February, Dallas fans could be in for a thrilling ride. The Mavericks have a shot to make the postseason - and more importantly, they have a chance to lay the foundation for something bigger.
A backcourt built on the experience of Kyrie Irving and the promise of Cooper Flagg might not just be a short-term spark. It could be the beginning of a new era in Dallas.
For now, the question isn’t just whether the Mavs will make the playoffs. It’s whether Kyrie and Flagg can turn this season into something more than just a developmental year - and maybe, just maybe, into something special.