Kyrie Irving is saving the Mavericks' disastrous season in a way fans can't see

The Dallas Mavericks have been tanking at a high level this year in hopes of making a big splash in the upcoming NBA Draft. Dallas fans can’t wait for next season. However, having Kyrie Irving as a veteran presence and a voice of reason during this tough stretch has been a huge benefit for the younger players and the team’s camaraderie. Irving's leadership is providing a silver lining that is as valuable as gold.

Irving has kept Mavericks teammates engaged during a lost season

Coach Kidd faces the tough task of keeping players engaged during the final stretch of the NBA season, while also keeping an eye on the future and building around Cooper Flagg. The Mavs are in last place in their Southwest Division standings with a record of just 24-50.

Yet, having Kyrie Irving, who is sound in mind and body, has benefited everyone on the Mavericks. Irving has made a point of staying connected with the team throughout the doldrums of the season and has continued to share his unique insights with not only Flagg but also all his teammates, especially in the point guard role.

It’s no coincidence that undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard earned Jason Kidd’s trust earlier in the season through his steady play at point guard. Nembhard provided stability for the Mavs’ offense when Flagg was struggling to adjust to the early-season experiment at the position. The Mavs rewarded Nembhard by converting his two-way NBA contract into a two-year standard NBA deal in March. Kyrie’s influence and encouragement likely played a significant role in making that happen.

It’s also no surprise that point guard Brandon Williams is having his best season as a Maverick. Throughout the season, there have been moments where Williams looked like the second coming of Irving, showcasing dazzling drives to the basket and creative finishes under the rim. Williams has absorbed Irving’s lessons and applied them in real time for Mavs fans to see — Kyrie’s influence in full effect.

Irving's generosity has endeared him to his teammates

For the December 2025 holiday season, Irving gifted his Maverick teammates custom-made, branded Denago electric golf carts featuring personalized player names, numbers, and team logos. Valued at around $10,000 each, these vehicles were unveiled at the team’s practice facility and further confirmed what Mavs fans and players already know: Irving is a great guy, and he has matured into an incredible leader both on and off the court.

Irving and Flagg's unique basketball similarities unite them

Cooper Flagg has been gifted an opportunity to learn from a star still in his prime. Since the talented teenager arrived in Dallas, Irving has taken Flagg under his wing. By all accounts, the two are forging a growing bond on the practice floor that Mavs fans hope extends into live game action next season.

Irving and Flagg are both Duke alumni. Both entered the NBA as teenagers with high expectations, and Irving experienced playing on losing teams early in his career, just as Flagg is now. However, the Mavericks hope to shorten that learning curve and help Flagg avoid some of the pitfalls Irving faced throughout his career.

The Mavs’ management is betting on Flagg and Irving becoming a dynamic duo for years to come —especially after Irving agreed to sit out the entire 2025-26 season to fully recover from the torn left ACL he suffered in March 2025.

There are whispers from a select group of fans and even media members that the Mavs should consider trading Irving before next season, but Dallas believes Irving (34) still has plenty of good basketball left in him. They want to see what he and Flagg can accomplish together before making any trade decisions.

Furthermore, Flagg and the other young players on the team stand to benefit greatly from Irving’s mentorship and from watching one of the NBA’s greatest showmen refine his craft daily.