Kyrie Irving’s return will give the Mavericks their long-awaited trio with Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg—but will chemistry click right away, or will Dallas need patience before the postseason push?
Mavericks’ big three: Patience or instant chemistry? originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Dallas Mavericks are entering a season defined by potential—and pressure. With Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg set to debut, the eventual return of Kyrie Irving from a torn ACL could give Dallas one of the NBA’s most intriguing trios. The question is whether chemistry will come fast enough to matter when postseason basketball arrives.
Irving, who averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game before his injury, is expected back during the 2025–26 campaign. His dynamic shot creation and ability to orchestrate late-game possessions have been missed since he went down. Now, he’ll be joining a Mavericks squad that has reshaped itself around Davis and Flagg.
Davis, acquired midseason in last year’s blockbuster trade, wasted no time proving his worth—debuting with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. Despite later undergoing retina surgery, he remains the team’s veteran anchor, a player whose two-way presence will help guide Flagg through the ups and downs of his rookie season.
Flagg, meanwhile, offers the versatility every modern contender craves. At Duke, he posted 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showing an all-around skill set that translates seamlessly to the NBA. Analysts have praised his fit alongside Davis and Irving, pointing to his ability to handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and thrive without needing the offense built around him.
Still, building synergy won’t be automatic. Irving will need time to adjust after his ACL recovery, while Flagg will be learning the league’s speed and physicality. An ESPN panel recently projected that nearly two-thirds of experts believe this trio may win two or fewer playoff series in their first run together, citing health and experience as concerns.
But Dallas also has reasons for optimism. With Irving’s creativity, Davis’s defensive dominance, and Flagg’s adaptability, the Mavericks possess a rare blend of experience and youth. If they can manage minutes wisely and establish clear roles, the team could transform from a work in progress into a postseason threat by spring.
The Mavericks’ ceiling will be determined not by talent—they have plenty—but by timing. If chemistry arrives sooner rather than later, Dallas could become one of the NBA’s toughest outs.
Category: Basketball
