Think about it. Two team-oriented, extremely versatile, selfless and very skilled players, both among the highest of the highest IQ players in the league. Put them together and healthy, and have them solve problems. There’s a real chance that they will be able to find new ways to play the game and develop – or expand – the boundaries of what’s possible in basketball.
From two different generations, one on the way out, one on the way in, none of them with an ounce of selfishness. One already proved almost everything he needed to and is as highly regarded and respected by everyone. The other coming in with all the expectations, the weight of pressure and the potential of reaching the very top in this league. There’s even talk of him changing the game.
Imagine the two of them together. Dynamic players, capable of adjusting in-game to whatever the defense throws at them.
The fact that this duo will wreak havoc on defenses across the league is inevitable. But if you look at what they have been capable of doing separately, and how their connection and chemistry have been honed over a while now, the fun question here is whether they may actually be capable of pushing the boundaries and limits set by the very best of what basketball can do. Because as it turns out, the mentorship from the bench and recently pick-up games, have forged a real connection between them.
But does this duo have it in them to change the game?
If we look at how basketball has been changing over the past seasons to become more about versatility, shooting, high IQ plays and decision-making, these two have it in them to take that and elevate it. Efficiency-wise, mentality-wise and in the area of mental strength and clutch time talent, they are both special. Then add that they are creating a culture around them where the team comes before the individual: a winning team. And this is just to start.
It’s not so much about their individual skillsets, but more about how they both have an incredibly creative approach to solving whatever comes at them.
Both are almost ambidextrous. Just think of how people almost started thinking that Flagg was a lefty last season? And remember Kyrie’s legendary left-hand game winner?
There’s a lot of similarities between the two, but also a lot of instances where they look to be great complements to the other.
Cooper Flagg’s longtime trainer Matt MacKenzie agrees. He spoke to NBA reporter Matt Medina this week and noted that Irving wants to help Flagg become the best he can possibly be.
“Obviously, they are two very high-IQ basketball players. I think they complement each other really well. I know that Kyrie has a ton of respect for the player that Cooper is. Just like Coach May, he wants to continue to help Cooper take that next step in his career.”
But there’s another point to add to the to the argument that these two can accomplish special things together. The fact that Flagg and Irving have been practicing together and playing pick-up through the offseason.
According to Mackenzie, the two of them were excited to get back to work and to develop that on-court chemistry:
“Obviously, we’ve all been excited to see what that chemistry will look like on the floor. They’ve had a chance to spend some time together on the court and in workouts when they’ve played pickup a little bit. I think they really enjoyed playing with each other. I think we’re going to be able to see that joy come October and November.”
MacKenzie also mentioned that the two already developed a good relationship last season, with Kyrie serving as a mentor from the bench.
“Cooper was able to spend quite a bit of time last season with Kyrie. Although Kyrie wasn’t able to play, he was able to be somewhat of a mentor off the court, on the bench and around the practice facility.”
Staying in touch has been important. With a talent like Cooper Flagg, it’s essential to surround him with players and vets, who can guide and support him when needed. And Kyrie Irving can end up being an extremely important part in the journey to greatness for Flagg.
“They have continued to stay in contact [through the offseason]. They have found little pockets of time during the course of the offseason to connect, stay in touch and check in on each other.”
Mentorship and smart veterans are crucial to developing players, especially the very best. Luka Doncic had Sergio Lull among others in Madrid, and Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. Kyrie Irving famously sought out Kobe Bryant to mentor and guide him. And the fact that Kyrie Irving looks to be a major part of Flagg’s development journey feels like a nice full circle moment.
“Any opportunity to spend time with somebody like that that has that type of experience, court sense and high IQ makes for an unbelievable opportunity. I think they both have the same mindset in terms of what they want out of this coming year,” Matt Mackenzie said.
And what is that?
From what we’ve seen and heard over the last weeks, it’s to be able to help the Mavs grow as a team, hopefully climb and be able to produce more wins – and to create that winning culture. That sentiment is echoed by new head coach Dusty May, who recently emphasized that the newly acquired players all share that trait: they already know what winning requires.
So what can we expect from the duo this season? According to Matt Mackenzie, a lot:
“I think that, at least at this point, it’s looking very promising. We’re all very optimistic. We’re really excited about what’s to come.”
Will the duo change basketball? Maybe. There’s certainly the potential to challenge how things are done, when two such creative players align. But more importantly, this duo will most certainly change the culture in Dallas and lead a team that’s about to bring joy back to the city and its fans. That is not even a question anymore.
