Mavericks' 'perfect' Cooper Flagg pairing is quietly coming into focus

The Dallas Mavericks have had to employ a next man up mentality all season. Thankfully, that next man up looks to be Kyrie Irving. If the rumors are true, Irving is slated to return to active playing status sometime in mid-February. And that could make for a very entertaining second half of the season in Dallas.

"We just can't wait to get Kai back, at some point," Jason Kidd said earlier this season. "We'll see what happens, but I think those two (Irving/Flagg) will be a perfect match in the backcourt."

To make the playoffs? Or not make the playoffs? That is the question.

The Mavs face the choice of tanking to improve their position in the upcoming NBA draft (to build around Cooper Flagg) or making a mad dash for the playoffs in a cluttered, highly competitive Western Conference.

Why Kyrie Irving will change everything for Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks have flirted with fighting for a playoff spot all season. And the courtship doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon. Especially if the rumors of Irving’s impending return are true. It also helps Irving's case to come back this season that Patrick Dumont would like to see him play with Flagg and Anthony Davis, so Irving's return shouldn't be ruled out by any means.

Anthony Davis’ ligament injury to his left hand in early January all but sealed Dallas’ fate. The Mavericks had accepted the cards they were dealt and had initiated operation rebuild. However, they have all of a sudden won four of their last five games and find themselves just 2.5 games behind the LA Clippers for the 10th seed and play-in berth to make the NBA Playoffs.

And there is a lot of basketball yet to be played. Enter the Kyrie Irving dilemma. NBA analyst and former Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller teased Dallas fans during the Mavs NBC broadcast game against the New York Knicks this past Monday with news that Kyrie is targeting a mid-February return.

Many had been questioning if Irving should return at all this season. But the Mavericks have momentum. It might be a hard sell to convince Irving to sit out the rest of the season with the playoffs just in arm's reach.

Irving turns 34 in March and may not have many prime years left. He’s highly motivated to make the most of every season he has left. Plus, it seems like Flagg wants to win as quickly as possible. He's a competitor at heart and hates losing.

Irving has also made it a point to mentor Flagg early in his NBA journey. The two seem to have already developed a great rapport on the practice floor. It’s safe to say that their connection should translate to live action on the NBA court as well.

Irving has been here before. He quickly forged a lethal tandem with former Mav Luka Doncic when he first arrived in Dallas. Plus, Flagg would immediately benefit from another floor spacer and someone who can get the Mavs into their offensive sets. And another player who demands a double team.

Irving is also the more mature player, and he knows when to pick his spots and when to fall back and let Flagg take control of the offense. Flagg would also face less defensive pressure and more single coverage with Irving’s gravity on the floor.

Irving will also be able to use his explosive first step to provide opportunities to free Flagg for some extra buckets in transition and at the rim to get him going. Coach Jason Kidd echoed those sentiments earlier in the season when he said Flagg and Irving would be a "perfect" fit together.

Flagg’s defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions will also benefit Irving as he works to reacclimate to NBA game speed. And Irving's one-of-one skillset and big shot-making ability will push Flagg to reach his highest level. Both players are also highly proficient with their left hands. Iron sharpeneth iron.

Flagg has also shown a willingness to make the extra pass all year, and Irving will be eager to reciprocate that goodwill and mesh with the young star as quickly as possible. They are both easy-going personalities, and Flagg will benefit by getting a version of Irving that has been through it all. On and off the court. The benefit is twofold.

Irving is already an NBA champion. And he has voiced that he wants to pass on the lessons that he’s learned to the next generation. What better way than to start with Flagg? This season.