The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery captured the attention of basketball fans and stunned many when the Dallas Mavericks emerged as the biggest beneficiaries. The Texas franchise secured the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s Draft, which gives them the chance to select any player they want—almost certainly Cooper Flagg. Kyrie Irving had something to say about that.
A few hours after the Lottery results were announced, Irving posted on his X account, expressing his excitement over the Mavericks’ luck. “1.8%,” wrote the point guard, referring to the team’s slim mathematical odds of landing the No. 1 pick, alongside two laughing-crying emojis.
This outcome opens up a range of possibilities for the team, which can now dream of forming a new Big Three alongside Irving and Anthony Davis, plus other stars like Klay Thompson, potentially making them serious contenders in the Western Conference.
Given this scenario, Kyrie reportedly has big plans involving Cooper. “A source familiar with the situation told Hoops Wire that Irving is ‘remarkably excited’ about the possibility of teaming up with Flagg,” wrote NBA insider Sam Amico.
The young shooting guard’s talent apparently isn’t the only thing that has caught the attention of the 2016 NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Amico, Irving sees this moment as a “rare chance to help shape the future with someone who shares his Duke lineage and sky-high potential.”
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Indeed, both players share that college background. Kyrie attended Duke between 2010 and 2011, standing out with the Blue Devils before being selected with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft—a path Flagg appears set to follow almost exactly.
However, Cooper’s time in college basketball has been longer and more successful. Irving played just 11 games for Duke, averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He was on track to compete for NCAA Freshman of the Year until a big toe injury forced him off the court.
Flagg, in contrast, played 37 games for the Blue Devils during the 2024-25 season, averaging 19.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 7.5 rebounds. His performances earned him both the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors.
Even if the speculation proves true and the Mavericks select Flagg, fans will have to wait a while before seeing him on the court with Irving. That’s because the 33-year-old guard is still in the early stages of recovering from his ACL injury.
Kyrie Irving suffered a knee injury, including a torn ACL in his left knee, on March 3, 2025
Kyrie underwent surgery on March 27 and faces a lengthy rehab process before regaining top form. In fact, projections suggest he’ll be ready to return sometime after the start of next season, with January being the most likely timeframe.
The potential arrival of Cooper Flagg in Dallas could give Irving extra motivation during his recovery. Not just the anticipation of eventually playing alongside him, but also the opportunity to stay focused during the downtime. “He sees this as a way to mentor while he heals,” added Sam Amico.
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