Flagg And Irving Prepared For Upcoming Season
The Mavericks teammates practiced on the West Coast ahead of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball
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Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving have begun their preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season by training together. Video footage from a West Coast practice session highlighted Flagg testing his defensive skills against the veteran guard.
Why it matters
The duo is looking to build on-court chemistry to help the Dallas Mavericks improve after a difficult previous campaign. Establishing these individual connections is essential for the team as they prepare for the season opener.
The Mavericks finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record, placing them 12th in the Western Conference. This season marks Irving's fifth with Dallas and Flagg's second in the league.
The players
Cooper Flagg
He is a professional basketball player entering his second season in the NBA.
Kyrie Irving
He is an veteran NBA guard currently entering his fifth season with the Dallas Mavericks.
Dusty May
He serves as the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks.
The details
Kyrie Irving is returning to the court after recovering from a torn ACL sustained in February 2025. The training sessions are designed to help the players understand each other's on-court tendencies ahead of the campaign.
Timeline
February 2025: Kyrie Irving sustained a torn ACL.
2024: The Dallas Mavericks last appeared in the NBA postseason.
2025-26 season: The team finished with a 26-56 record.
October 2026: The NBA regular season begins.
Season Trajectory
The Mavericks are aiming to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the Western Conference following a two-year absence from the playoffs. This practice session signals a foundational effort to return to the level of play seen during the 2024 NBA postseason.
Fans should monitor Irving's health as he returns from an ACL injury that sidelined him in early 2025. His ability to build chemistry with Flagg in the upcoming month is critical for the Mavericks' pursuit of a playoff spot.
The takeaway
Building strong on-court chemistry is a vital step for the Mavericks as they look to turn around their recent losing record. Fans can expect increased intensity as the squad prepares for the regular season tip-off in October.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's preparation, visit the Dallas Basketball page.
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