The dream of a postseason run for Mavs supporters was likely dashed in an instant.
In a recent live stream, Kyrie added fuel to the flames, despite Dallas’ superstar point guard’s potential comeback from his terrible ACL injury as early as January of next year, according to Shams:
Don’t hold your breath on that…You know what I’m saying? That doesn’t mean I won’t be back, it’s just — I don’t want to make any predictions on when I’m going to be back. I just want to be back 150,000% better
In short, despite initial hopes that Irving would have as speedy a return as possible to the court since his injury in early March, the Mavs will likely be without one of their two All-Stars for most, if not all the upcoming season.
And regardless of Marc Stein reporting great news regarding Anthony Davis’ own health, history shows that Dallas’ other great pillar can basically be pencilled in to miss double-digit games next season
Patience might serve the Mavericks well in the end
After hearing this, it’s official: Cooper Flagg will be playing for the Dallas Mavericks this coming season.
Dallas will lean on Flagg—not only for his defense and intelligence, but for everything he brings, including his demonstrated ability to perhaps lead an NBA offense—if their main ball-dominant leader is sidelined for an extended period of time. Flagg was drafted with superstar potential.
Flagg is widely recognized for his offensive variety and go-to scoring ability, but Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor went a step further by praising his pick-and-roll ball handling skills, suggesting that he may be a rare breed of genuine point forward.
Rest assured that D’Angelo Russell will have the keys to Dallas’ offense more often than not if the only major ball handler with whom Flagg must contend is a clearance rack version of Kyrie Irving.
If AD does not play for an extended period of time, the development rate will be doubled.
Mavs fans: this isn’t going to be a good year. Lottery pick or not, Flagg headlines a god-awful roster, even if AD plays. The Mavericks’ first-round pick next year will most likely be in the lottery. But the 2026 class is supposed to be strong. And you’ll get one of the clearest runways, the greenest of lights, for a No. 1 pick since LeBron James. You’ll get a Rookie of the Year, a young superstar in the making, quicker than usual.
Yes, Kyrie Irving might have just dashed Dallas’ playoff hopes for 2026. But he might also be co-signing the rapid ascent of the NBA’s next legend
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