Tim MacMahon Oct 28, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

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Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009

Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks

Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM

KYRIE IRVING HADN'T played a game for the Dallas Mavericks in more than 18 months when he organized an informal minicamp for the team in Southern California in early September, including new head coach Dusty May and his staff.

Irving hosted basketball workouts along with beach yoga, but his priority for the trip was continuing to build camaraderie with his younger teammates, including 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg , the player Irving calls his "19-year-old co-pilot."

"When you've done what he's done," May said, "the younger guys especially hang on every word."

Irving has served as a leader and a valued voice in the Mavs' locker room since he arrived in Dallas via trade in February 2023.…