Kyrie Irving speaks up on Duke connection with Cooper Flagg

It didn’t take long before the basketball gods rewarded Dallas Mavericks fans. They inexplicably traded away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they got the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Mavs’ love for Cooper Flagg is the league’s worst-kept secret. He’s the consensus first-overall pick, and he’s not even going to work out or interview with another team.

With that in mind, they asked fellow Duke Blue Devil Kyrie Irving his thoughts on potentially teaming up with Flagg, and he admitted that he had already reached out to him.

Kyrie Irving says he’s ‘connected’ with Cooper Flagg

“We’re definitely connected,” Irving said. “He’s a Duke Blue Devil. I know he can handle the pressure, and I’m excited to watch him go off—not just him, but all the young guys coming up. The future is y’all’s!”

Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils

Of course, Irving will most likely have to sit out all season because of his major injury, but he will still be close to the team and give their prized rookie a helping hand.

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Once they’re back to full strength, the Mavericks will be one of the most entertaining teams to watch, and this duo, plus Anthony Davis, will give opposing teams nightmares for years to come.