Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Cooper Flagg won the Rookie of the Year award despite the Dallas Mavericks finishing 12th in the West last season with a 26-56 record. Flagg announced his generational talent to the NBA in fitting fashion despite the injury-curtailed campaigns both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving had.
As a result, both the players have been linked to trades, although this Dallas executive may have shut down the rumors of a move for Kyrie Irving, in fitting fashion. Per Sportrac, the Mavericks have no intention of moving Irving with the 9-time All-Star understood to be happy in Dallas, despite the consistent rumors linking him to a move.
“He keeps getting put in all kinds of rumors, but we’re not looking to move Kyrie (Irving) and Kyrie isn’t looking to be moved either. We didn’t get to see him with Cooper (Flagg) last year, but we’re very excited to see that pairing this year.”
And well, there may be legitimate cause for excitement. Irving did not play a single game last season due to a torn left ACL but has reportedly fully recovered and will feature at the start of the new season, with Anthony Davis only recently claiming that he wants to play all 82 games next season as well.
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That gives the Mavericks a potential Big 3 of Irving, AD and Flagg, who was forced into the PG role at times last season due to Irving’s absence. The youngster will undoubtedly benefit from Kyrie’s elite playmaking and ball handling skills, and is well-placed to make the most of the improved looks he is likely to get.
Last season, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting at almost 47% from the field. The experience of operating in the absence of another big star would undoubtedly have helped, and Flagg will be determined to take his game to another level in the coming season.