Is Kyrie Irving the perfect partner for Cooper Flagg?

Former head coach Jason Kidd spent the start of last season experimenting with Flagg playing point guard. A lot of the time, Flagg looked like a teenager. But by the end of the season, Flagg looked like an All-NBA player. Over his final 26 games, Flagg averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. His surge was highlighted by a 51-point performance that helped him win Rookie of the Year.

By bringing the ball up the floor, using screens, and reading defenders over hundreds of repetitions, he's better prepared for his career moving forward. However, Flagg and the Mavericks were better when he played with a pure point guard.

When Flagg shared the floor with Ryan Nembhard or Brandon Williams last season, he was more efficient and the Mavericks played better. This doesn't mean that Flagg can't run an offense. It just means that, at least at this stage of his career, he's better when he has help. That's why Irving's mere presence can provide balance to Flagg's offensive diet.