Kyrie Irving laid down some serious praise for Cooper Flagg, telling the world the young Dallas Mavericks star “falls in line” with legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. This isn’t some casual compliment either; Irving, fresh off the Mavericks’ two-game split with the Houston Rockets in Macao, China, sees something special, something only a guy who has played with all three of them can truly understand.
What Irving Sees in Flagg That No One Else Can
Irving’s got a unique perspective here. He’s actually played alongside Durant, James, and now Flagg. That gives him an insight a regular fan or even another analyst just can’t get. When he says Flagg “falls in line in terms of having that competitive nature at a very young age,” you gotta listen. Think about it: all three of these guys are versatile two-way players. All three were drafted into the NBA at just 18 years old. Flagg might be at the very start of his journey, while Durant and James are closer to the end, but to even be mentioned in that company? That’s not just high praise; that’s Hall of Fame talk, Championship-caliber potential. We’re talking about a player who could become an all-time great if Irving’s vision is right.
From Rookie of the Year to Vocal Leader
We already saw Flagg blow up during his Rookie of the Year campaign last season, especially in the second half. He’s been putting in the work, too. Even with a few struggles from the floor in that second Macau game, you could see the offseason grind paying off. Irving totally backs this up, highlighting Flagg’s growth into his second year. “I love that he’s a two-way player… I love that he cares about using his voice as he’s grown into year two,” Irving said. That vocal leadership is huge. It’s tough for us watching to always catch those subtle changes, but if Irving’s seeing it, it’s real. Last year, Flagg led with his play, earning his spot on a team with established vets. Now, after a roster overhaul put him front and center, he’s stepping up as a vocal leader at only 19 years old. Irving knows the struggle, saying his own first few years were tough and he needed veteran leadership. Now, he’s the veteran in that “seat,” helping Flagg take that next, crucial step.
The 2026-2027 season tips off later this month, and with Kyrie Irving dropping comparisons like this, all eyes are gonna be on Cooper Flagg. If he keeps developing like this, Dallas could have a truly special player on their hands for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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