Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd used Monday’s media day to cool speculation about Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn ACL, even as excitement swirled around top draft pick Cooper Flagg.
Kidd bristled at social-media clips showing Irving shooting on a practice court and the accompanying claims that the nine-time All-Star is beating his rehabilitation timetable.
“When we see him shooting, can we please stop saying he’s ahead of schedule?” Kidd told reporters at the American Airlines Center. “That’s unfair to him and to the Mavs. He’s doing well, but he is on schedule, not ahead of it.”
Irving, who tore the ACL in early March and is entering his 15th NBA season, echoed the coach when he stepped to the podium minutes later. “I’m right on schedule, guys,” he said with a grin. The veteran guard declined to set a target date for game action, instead opting to “push the limit” day by day.
Flagg Begins Pro Career Surrounded by Champions
The presence of 18-year-old Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick out of Duke, provided a contrasting storyline. Unlike most top selections, Flagg joins a roster built to contend immediately, featuring future Hall of Famers Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.
Davis, a 10-time All-Star fully cleared after offseason eye surgery but now required to wear protective glasses, said Flagg’s situation eases typical rookie pressure. “He doesn’t have to do as much as a normal No. 1 pick,” Davis noted. “The pressure is really nonexistent for him, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
Thompson praised the rookie’s work ethic and willingness to absorb advice, while Flagg called himself “blessed” to join teammates with championship experience. “For me it’s about fitting in with any lineup and impacting winning in any way I can,” Flagg said.
Kidd added that Flagg will handle some ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities but emphasized realistic expectations. “We’re not asking him to carry the weight of the Dallas Mavericks,” the coach said. “We’re asking him to be Cooper Flagg, and that’s pretty special.”
The Mavericks open training camp this week with a single focus, Kidd concluded: “There’s only one timeline. We’re here to win, and we believe Cooper can help us do that.”
Source: ESPN
