Mavericks Kyrie Irving endorses Duke star Cooper Flagg ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft

Elijah Hamilton

Mavericks Kyrie Irving endorses Duke star Cooper Flagg ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft  image

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The Dallas Mavericks lucked up getting the No.1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft with a chance to take Duke star Cooper Flagg.

Flagg has been widely regarded as a generational talent and the consensus No. 1 pick in this year's draft, thanks to his all-around skill set and poise that is beyond his years.

With things pointing in the direction of the Mavericks taking Flagg, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who is expected to be out for most of the 2025-26 season after sustaining an ACL injury, shares one thing in common with Flagg, and he recently spoke up about Flagg during an appearance on NBA Future Starts Now.  

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"We definitely are connected. He's a Duke Blue Devil," Irving said." I know he can deal with the pressure, and I'm looking forward to seeing a great season. Not only from him but a lot of other young players that are here nationally and also internationally."

Irving and Flagg both represent Duke pride. And with Irving sidelined, Flagg would be expected to take on a significant role during his rookie season. He would also have—the benefit of playing alongside another All-Star, Anthony Davis, a proven champion in his own right.

Flagg will visit the Mavericks for a private Visit on June 17th, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. Flagg is the best player to enter this year's draft, thanks to his unique ability to play on both sides of the ball, and he seems ready to be a significant part of the Mavericks' season next year.


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Elijah Hamilton

Elijah Hamilton is a sports writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of Brooklyn College in New York City with a degree in Television, Radio, and Emerging Media. He is a well-versed writer who is a big New York sports fan.