Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are developing chemistry together as they gear up for a pivotal 2026-27 campaign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Flagg prepares for the sophomore year of his time in the NBA, while Irving begins his fifth year in Dallas. The former made waves as the best rookie last season, winning Rookie of the Year. As for the latter, he made a successful recovery from his torn ACL in February 2025, awaiting his return in the season opener.

Flagg and Irving prepare for their first regular-season games as teammates on the court, not just on the sidelines. Therefore, they must practice on the court together to know their tendencies and form a solid connection to assist the team throughout its highs and lows. One of Dallas' videos showed Flagg playing defense on Irving as the regular season is a month away for Dallas and the 29 other teams in the NBA.

Cooper Flagg guarding Kyrie Irving 🥶

So excited to see these two on the court together this year 🤞

(via @dallasmavs) pic.twitter.com/UOO720tlu2

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 18, 2026

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What lies ahead for Cooper Flagg, Mavericks next season

Cooper Flagg certainly stands out as the Mavericks' headliner. And even though Kyrie Irving is over a year removed from the ACL tear, he has a lot remaining in the tank as one of the best veteran guards in the NBA.

Irving stands out as the star veteran on a young team in Dallas. Cooper Flagg is now the future face of the franchise, needing a solid supporting cast to win more games. Jason Kidd is also no longer the head coach, seeing Dusty May take in the reins after dominating as a head coach in college basketball for the Florida Atlanta Owls and the Michigan Wolverines.

Dallas finished with a 26-56 record last season, settling for 12th place in the Western Conference standings. They were above the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings while being under the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors. The team hopes to return to the postseason after last appearing in 2024, needing serious improvements across the board.