Two Duke Legends United: Kyrie Irving Praises Cooper Flagg as the Rookie Shines Bright in Early Mavericks Training Sessions

When two former Duke Blue Devils who were both selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft end up on the same team, the basketball world takes notice. Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, separated by more than a decade in age but united by a shared alma mater and elite talent, are forming a bond in Dallas that has Mavericks fans buzzing with excitement.

It’s rare for a young rookie to command the attention and respect of a seasoned NBA star like Kyrie Irving. But Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 phenom from Newport, Maine, has already made quite the impression. And Irving isn’t shy about voicing it.

“I’ve been around a lot of young players in this league,” Irving said following a Mavs summer workout in Las Vegas, “but Cooper’s approach, his discipline, and just the way he plays — man, it’s special. He’s got that edge to him. That Duke fire. I love it.”

Irving knows exactly what it means to carry the weight of being the top overall draft pick. Back in 2011, he was the No. 1 pick out of Duke, despite playing only 11 collegiate games due to injury. Now in the twilight of a brilliant career filled with championships, All-Star appearances, and unforgettable playoff moments, Kyrie has shifted into a new role: mentor.

Cooper Flagg, who dazzled in his one year at Duke with his two-way dominance, polished jump shot, and relentless motor, is being groomed not only to be a star but potentially the next face of the franchise. With Luka Dončić still leading the charge, Flagg’s emergence is part of a long-term vision in Dallas — one that could ultimately extend the Mavericks’ championship window.

And Irving, a player known as much for his brilliant handles as for his complex persona, has seemingly embraced the opportunity to shepherd Flagg through his first steps in the league.

“You can tell he grew up watching the game. He’s studied it,” Kyrie continued. “And you know how some young guys come in and try to do too much? Not Coop. He’s patient, but aggressive. He’s calculated. And more than anything, he listens. That’s huge.”

Flagg’s impact was felt immediately during his Summer League debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he put up 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks — leading the Mavs to an 87-85 win. But it wasn’t just the numbers. It was the energy, the way he defended multiple positions, the unselfish plays, the poise under pressure.

“Having Kyrie in your corner,” Flagg said postgame, “that’s not just a basketball blessing, that’s a life blessing. He’s been through it all. He’s someone I’ve looked up to, and now I get to learn from him every day. That’s unreal.”

The mutual respect is genuine. During one moment in practice captured by Mavs social media, Irving is seen clapping as Flagg drills a corner three off a kick-out, shouting, “That’s it, young blood! That’s how we do it!” The chemistry is evident, and so is the mentorship.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has seen plenty of rookies come and go in his time, but he echoed what Kyrie had to say.

“Coop doesn’t act like a rookie,” Kidd noted. “He prepares like a vet. He asks questions. He’s not afraid to be coached. And you know what’s cool? Kyrie has really taken him under his wing. That kind of dynamic can elevate a young player’s career fast.”

And for all the attention Flagg is receiving, it’s the behind-the-scenes work that’s impressing people the most. According to team staffers, Flagg is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, staying late to work on free throws, footwork, and film.

“He’s a sponge,” said assistant coach Jared Dudley. “And when you combine that with his physical gifts and IQ, you get a kid who can be truly great.”

Flagg’s story is still being written, but it’s already a compelling narrative. From dominating high school tournaments to committing to Duke, he’s always carried high expectations. Yet, he continues to exceed them.

“I’ve never been scared of pressure,” Flagg said. “Pressure just means people believe in you. I believe in myself, too.”

The presence of Irving has undoubtedly helped smooth the transition. Known for his complicated relationship with media and occasionally volatile stops in Boston and Brooklyn, Irving has found peace in Dallas. And part of that peace seems to come from reinvesting in the game through mentorship.

“I see a lot of myself in him,” Irving admitted. “But I also see things I didn’t have at that age. He’s got a calmness I had to learn the hard way. I’m trying to help him avoid some of the traps I fell into.”

The Mavs organization sees the pairing as symbiotic — the veteran helping the rookie, the rookie revitalizing the veteran. It’s a blueprint that could set the tone for Dallas’ future. And with Dončić, Irving, and Flagg forming a core trio, the possibilities are tantalizing.

There’s a long season ahead, and Flagg will inevitably hit the proverbial rookie wall at some point. But with Irving offering encouragement, guidance, and even tough love when needed, the 19-year-old seems prepared for whatever the NBA throws his way.

“He’s not just here to survive,” Kyrie said. “He’s here to lead, eventually. And my job is to make sure when that time comes, he’s ready.”

Their Duke connection isn’t just symbolic. It represents a lineage of excellence, of brotherhood. Coach K famously instilled a culture of discipline and togetherness, and both Irving and Flagg have brought that into the league.

“We’ve got that Duke pride,” Flagg said with a smile. “It’s not just a school. It’s a standard. Kyrie set that standard when he came into the league. I’m just trying to follow the path — and maybe even expand it.”

For now, Mavericks fans can enjoy the early stages of what could be a very special chapter in franchise history. Irving and Flagg — two former No. 1 picks, two products of Cameron Indoor Stadium, two players at opposite ends of their careers — are now united in purpose.

And if the early chemistry is any indication, the Mavs might just have struck gold.

The future is coming fast in Dallas. Cooper Flagg is the name on every fan’s lips. But it’s Kyrie Irving, the seasoned master, who may be holding the key to unlocking his full potential.

As Irving jogged off the court after a summer scrimmage, a reporter asked what he saw in Flagg that made him believe so deeply.

Kyrie paused, wiped his brow, and grinned.

“I see greatness,” he said. “And I see it rising.”