Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the season in February, but his impact on Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has remained significant.
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When Flagg struggled early in the season, Irving reached out to help him gain perspective.
“I was driving home and he had texted me,” Flagg told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “He was like, ‘Yo, just give me a call.’ He was like, ‘Listen, I understand. I’ve kind of been through this before. I don’t think there’s a lot of people around you right now that I could tell you they’ve been through somewhat of a similar thing.’”
Irving was also the No. 1 overall pick and was expected to help revive the Cleveland Cavaliers after LeBron James left the franchise in free agency. Flagg has been tasked with helping revitalize the Dallas Mavericks following the franchise-altering trade of Luka Dončić.
“He stepped in as like a great vet for me and was just there kind of giving me guidance because there were definitely times where I was shaken up,” Flagg said. “I’d never lost that much in my life, but just to hear him say that and tell me that I’m doing everything I need to be doing and just to stay with it and stay positive, it definitely helped me out a lot.”
Flagg has leaned on Irving’s guidance throughout the season and showed flashes in the Mavericks’ 129-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Mavericks’ (23-46), No. 1 pick finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. He was aided by Naji Marshall, who had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
P. J. Washington, who started at center for the second consecutive game, added 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks will begin a three-game homestand Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.