Cooper Flagg getting ready to play his sophomore year in the NBA, where he is yet to play a game with his Dallas Mavericks teammate, Kyrie Irving.
Irving is set to make a comeback following his ACL injury, which caused him to sit out all of the 2026-27 season.
Ahead of the Mavericks' first preseason games in Macao, China for the NBA China games against the Houston Rockets, Flagg broke down what has changed in the way they play since last year.
"It's great. I think we have a lot of guys that can handle the ball. I think just with the way that we’re trying to play this year, we'll look a lot different from last year," Flagg said.
"Helping each other out to make it easier on everybody. And getting me and Kai live-ball catches in the half-court, I think is something that we've talked a lot about and I think can look really good for us."
Flagg highlights playing alongside Irving
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
Flagg then praised Irving, who is set to play in one of their games against the Rockets.
"I'm really excited, though, to be able to share the court with Kai. He's obviously a special, special player."
The forward highlighted Kyrie's abilities and how much fun it brings to him and the team.
"I think just his pace, the way he's able to slow down and really manipulate the defense and get to his spots," Flagg explained.
"It's been really fun to watch and fun to play with as well. Just the gravity that he commands has gotten me a lot of easier shots as well. So it's been fun."