The Dallas Mavericks have struggled this season. Despite securing Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the team has been hampered by injuries.
Anthony Davis has been inconsistent in the lineup, missing games intermittently. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with a torn ACL sustained last March. Although Irving has not returned to the court, he has stayed active with the team, traveling on road trips and watching games from the bench. In doing so, he has continued to build chemistry with his teammates, including rookie Flagg.
Cooper Flagg Lauds Kyrie Irving’s Veteran Presence
Christmas came early for the Mavericks this December. Irving pulled into the Mavs’ parking lot on Wednesday, surprising his teammates with personalized golf carts. It was a sweet gesture from someone many consider one of the locker room leaders.
Kyrie surprised the squad with golf carts for the holidays. Yes, really 🎄🛺
Catch us ridin’ in style this holiday season. @denagoev // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/gR8JHm6fUg
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 17, 2025
Before handing out the gifts, Flagg apparently already viewed the star guard as a great mentor. When asked about Irving’s gesture, the rookie had nothing but praise for his veteran teammate.
“Kai is an incredible human being,” Flagg said (per The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis). “He’s looked out for us this whole year & 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’s a really cool gift & really cool thing to do, and it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
Asked Cooper Flagg about the golf carts that Kyrie Irving gifted to his #Mavs teammates:
“Kai is an incredible human being. He’s looked out for us this whole year & 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’s a…
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) December 17, 2025
It will be interesting to see how Flagg and Irving perform together when the star point guard returns. As of this writing, there is still no definitive timetable for Irving’s return. Several reports have indicated he could make his comeback on the hardwood in January or February.
As for Flagg, he is doing everything he can to help hold down the fort while the Mavericks’ star guard remains sidelined.
In Dallas’ most recent game against the Utah Jazz, the rookie posted a career-high 42 points. Flagg also added seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal, showcasing his versatility.
Unfortunately for the Mavericks, they ultimately lost in overtime, 140-133. Davis’s absence proved costly, particularly with the lack of a defensive presence in the paint. Still, it was an encouraging sign that Flagg is developing rapidly and appears poised to become a bright star in the near future.
