BREAKING NEWS: Dallas maverick Point guard Kyrie lrving React in shock as the Head coach Jason Kidd announced the Small Forward CooPer Flagg as the…

In a surprising move that no one in the NBA community saw coming, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd stunned fans, analysts, and even his own players by announcing that rookie small forward Cooper Flagg would officially be taking on a central role as the new face of the franchise. The announcement came just days after the team wrapped up Summer League play and ignited widespread reactions—none more notable than that of veteran point guard Kyrie Irving, who responded to the news with visible shock and concern.

The unexpected announcement was made during a media session following a Mavericks team practice at the American Airlines Center. Kidd, speaking with calm conviction, praised Flagg’s leadership qualities, maturity, and court presence—despite being only 18 years old and just months removed from high school.

“Cooper Flagg is not just a special talent,” Kidd said. “He’s the future of this organization. The way he carries himself, the work he puts in, and the way teammates rally around him—it’s rare. That’s why, starting now, we’re going to build this team around him.”

The announcement stunned reporters, as it effectively signaled a shift in the team’s leadership hierarchy—one that places the rookie ahead of long-established veterans like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. While Dončić has been battling injury setbacks this offseason and has reportedly been in discussions with team executives about his long-term role, Irving’s reaction came swiftly and emotionally.

Speaking to reporters minutes after Kidd’s comments, Kyrie was clearly caught off guard.

“I didn’t see that coming,” Irving admitted. “Cooper is talented, no doubt. He’s going to be great. But being labeled the face of the franchise before playing a single regular-season game? That’s a big weight to put on a young man’s shoulders.”

Irving, 33, has been a key leader in the Mavericks’ locker room since joining the team and has often spoken publicly about mentorship and guiding the next generation. However, sources close to the team suggest that the announcement may have blindsided several veterans who expected a more gradual integration of Flagg into the team’s core identity.

“Look, I’ve been around a long time,” Irving continued. “I’ve seen what hype does to young players. I just hope we’re not rushing this.”

Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and one of the most anticipated prospects in a generation, has lived up to every bit of the hype in preseason workouts and Summer League games. Averaging 19.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in Summer League play, Flagg has dazzled with his versatility, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ.

When asked about the announcement, Flagg humbly deflected the spotlight.

“I’m grateful for Coach Kidd’s confidence, but I’m just trying to learn and contribute,” Flagg said. “There are legends on this team — Luka, Kyrie — guys I look up to. I’m here to earn their respect and help the team however I can.”

The response from fans and analysts has been mixed. While many are excited about the bold direction the Mavericks are taking, others question whether it’s too soon to thrust such a major responsibility onto a teenager.

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins reacted strongly on air: “I love Cooper Flagg, don’t get me wrong. But this ain’t college anymore. You don’t just hand over the keys of a franchise with guys like Luka and Kyrie still in the building.”

Team president Nico Harrison later clarified that the decision wasn’t meant to diminish the roles of Dončić or Irving but instead to prepare the franchise for a future centered around Flagg.

“This is about long-term vision,” Harrison explained. “Cooper is here for the next decade and beyond. We want him to know he’s not just a piece of the puzzle — he is the puzzle.”

With training camp just around the corner and the 2025-2026 season fast approaching, the Dallas Mavericks now find themselves at a critical crossroads. Can Flagg handle the pressure of immediate superstardom? Will Irving and Dončić accept their evolving roles? And will the locker room chemistry hold up under such a dramatic shift in leadership?

One thing is clear: Jason Kidd’s bold declaration has reshaped the narrative of the Dallas Mavericks overnight—and everyone, from rookies to veterans, is now playing under a whole new spotlight.