Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving and minority owner Mark Cuban were in attendance to support the team’s 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg during his debut at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Their cheerful interaction during the game quickly gained attention across social media platforms, adding extra buzz to Flagg’s first professional appearance.
The highly anticipated matchup featured Flagg going head-to-head with the Los Angeles Lakers’ squad, which included Bronny James, son of Lakers legend LeBron James. Although both young talents experienced shooting struggles, each delivered standout plays in a tightly contested game that ended with Dallas narrowly winning 87-85.
Flair and Friendship: Irving and Cuban Share Light Moments Courtside
Throughout the Thursday night showdown, Irving and Cuban were seen exchanging laughs and enjoying the atmosphere together, delighting fans with their evident camaraderie. This exchange was widely shared on social media site X, with many praising the friendly dynamic between the Mavericks’ veteran guard and the team’s former majority owner who sold his controlling stake late last year.
In addition to his playful moments with Cuban, Irving also connected warmly before the game with Dallas’ current majority owner, Patrick Dumont, emphasizing the close-knit environment around the team.
Irving’s support extended beyond words, as he frequently cheered on Flagg during the game, rising to applaud the rookie’s key plays, including a powerful dunk in transition, a smooth midrange jumper, and a successful and-one drive during a fast-break opportunity.
Assessing Cooper Flagg’s Performance and Future Role
Flagg faced challenges on his shooting accuracy, finishing with a 5-for-21 clip (23.8%) from the field and scoring 10 points overall. Despite this, his flashes of offensive skill highlighted his potential impact for the Mavericks moving forward. The 18-year-old’s ability to contribute in transition and create scoring chances signals a promising start to his professional career.
Dallas’ head coach Jason Kidd indicated that Flagg may take on more responsibilities handling the ball early in his rookie season, projecting a gradual integration into the team’s playmaking duties. This preparation is key as the team rebuilds and looks toward a competitive future.
Irving’s Recovery and the Road Ahead for the Mavericks
Currently sidelined due to a torn left ACL sustained in early March, Kyrie Irving will miss significant time at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Though initial estimates suggested a January return, Irving has expressed uncertainty about returning by the playoffs, indicating a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
Mavericks supporters will have to wait before seeing Irving and Flagg share the court in regular-season action, potentially alongside superstar big man Anthony Davis, forming an intriguing new core. Meanwhile, the team’s focus remains on nurturing Flagg’s development and ensuring Irving’s full recovery to maximize their future competitiveness.