The Dallas Mavericks are entering a new era behind number 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, however, that doesn’t mean Kyrie Irving is on his way out. After an offseason filled with questions surrounding the veteran guard’s future, Mavericks president Masai Ujiri has made it clear that the organization still believes Irving can play an important role in its plans moving forward. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s "The Hoop Collective" podcast, Ujiri expressed confidence in the nine-time NBA All-Star and explained why he believes Irving can help Dallas establish a new identity.
We truly believe that he can succeed on our team,” Ujiri said. The comments come as Dallas continues reshaping its roster around Flagg, who is coming off an impressive rookie season. With Irving now 34 years old and the Mavericks focused on developing their younger talent, questions have emerged about whether the veteran guard should be a part of the organization’s long-term plans.
However, Ujiri appears confident that Irving can contribute to the team’s growth under new head coach Dusty May. For Dallas, Irving’s value extends beyond his scoring ability. Throughout his career, the former NBA champion has established himself as one of the league’s most talented offensive players.
His ballhandling, perimeter shooting and ability to create opportunities in difficult situations make him a challenging matchup for opposing defenses. Those skills could become especially valuable as Flagg develops and gets more comfortable in his role as the centerpiece of the franchise. Rather than forcing the young forward to carry the offensive responsibility every night, Irving’s presence could give Dallas another reliable scoring option while also creating additional opportunities for his teammates.
Ujiri emphasized that Irving’s ability to generate offense could make life easier for the rest of the roster. The veteran guard suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in March 2025, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and the entire 2025-26 campaign. Before the injury, Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, demonstrating that he remained capable of producing at an elite level.
After more than a year away from NBA competition, Irving finally made his return Sunday during the Mavericks’ preseason matchup against the Houston Rockets in Macao, China. He wasted little time reminding fans what he could bring to Dallas. Irving finished with a team-high 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, adding three assists and two rebounds in nearly 22 minutes as the Mavericks defeated Houston 132-115.
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