Most fans expect a rookie to struggle with pressure, but Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving sees a future legend in Cooper Flagg. Irving told reporters that the 19-year-old shares the exact same competitive nature as LeBron James. This comparison comes after Flagg put up huge numbers in just two preseason games in Macao, China.
The 2025 No. 1 pick scored 33 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists in 45 minutes of action. He also added three steals and two blocks while hunting his shot with total confidence. According to ESPN, this performance obliterated the idea that he is just a rookie learning the ropes. Flagg even handled menial tasks like bag-carrying during the team’s week in China, though he joked about the ruse.
“I can sometimes sneak by without them remembering that they want me to be a rookie still. But yeah, they definitely try,” Flagg said. Despite the jokes, the 19-year-old is already leading the team with his voice. He admitted that being young makes things tough sometimes, but he feels his teammates respect his opinion. This growth creates goosebumps for everyone watching the team evolve.
The LeBron Comparison
Irving has played with LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, so he knows the signs of greatness. During media availability in Macao, Irving made a bold claim about Flagg’s ability to lead. He noted that Flagg uses his voice and has grown into his second year in a big way. He believes Flagg fits right in with the greats because of his drive.
“I think Coop falls in line with them in terms of having that competitive nature at a very young age and be able to lead a team,” Irving said. The two players also vibe well together, and the team communicates constantly during practices. They haven’t hit any major adversity yet, but Irving says they are enjoying the process and looking to each other for advice.
While the Mavericks are in a deep Western Conference, Flagg is already the headliner in China. His image was plastered on buildings, and he unveiled his personal New Balance logo in a high-end mall. The logo combines his initials with a pine tree to nod to his home state of Maine. This event focused more on branding than the actual games, yet Flagg was the center of attention.
A Future Face of the League
Victor Wembanyama has claimed the unofficial title of future face of the league, but Flagg is barreling down the runway toward superstardom. Brian Windhorst of ESPN wrote that Flagg’s ascension feels inevitable. He is finding his voice and broadening his scope to include everyone else’s game. Irving says he is there to alleviate some of the pressure Flagg feels on offense.
“I feel like I’m here to alleviate some of the pressure that he feels,” Irving said. Since Irving returned from his torn ACL injury, the Mavericks constructed a fresh team around Flagg. Though they likely will not match the heights Irving and LeBron achieved together, they rank as a top one-two punch in the West. Flagg is just 19, and his journey is only starting.
