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Kyrie Irving already fits better with Cooper Flagg than he did with Luka Doncic

As much as Kyrie Irving had success with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, from a schematic standpoint, Cooper Flagg is a better co-star for Irving.

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 7:45 PM
Kyrie Irving already fits better with Cooper Flagg than he did with Luka Doncic
Key Things to Know
  • The Smoking Cuban argues Kyrie Irving fits better playing alongside Cooper Flagg than he did with Luka Doncic.
  • Irving and Flagg combined for 68 points in a recent Dallas Mavericks NBA Cup victory over Houston.
  • Writer Will Miller highlights Dallas' fast-break offense and both players' off-ball abilities as major advantages over Doncic's style.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Will Miller of The Smoking Cuban argues that Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg complement each other better on the court than Irving did with Luka Doncic. The writer points out that Dallas' fast-paced transition offense and selfless ball movement suit both players, as highlighted by their combined 68-point performance in an NBA Cup victory over the Houston Rockets.

Miller highlights that unlike Doncic's heliocentric half-court style, Flagg and Irving thrive both on and off the ball while opening scoring opportunities for teammates. Additionally, the writer argues that Flagg's elite defense compensates for Irving's point-of-attack limitations, giving the Mavericks a more balanced foundation as they target a playoff return.

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