Kyrie Irving tried giving fans an injury update Friday but forgot to turn on his microphone.
The Dallas Mavericks veteran went live on Instagram to discuss his ACL recovery, only to broadcast several minutes of silent footage before realizing his mistake.
Cooper Flagg, watching from wherever rookies watch Instagram lives, couldn’t resist the opportunity.
“Un mute the mic old head,” Flagg said.
The jab reveals something important about their developing relationship.
Most rookies wouldn’t dare mock a veteran guard with Irving‘s resume, especially one they’ve never actually played alongside.
But Flagg felt comfortable enough to publicly tease him about the technical mishap, suggesting genuine rapport between Dallas’s present and future.
Irving hasn’t stepped on the court with Flagg yet after suffering an ACL tear last season. The injury has kept him sidelined through the Duke product’s entire rookie campaign so far.
Still, reports indicate the two have been spending significant time together at the team facility, with Irving embracing a mentorship role while working through his rehabilitation.
Building chemistry before sharing the court
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet recently discussed what makes Irving such a difficult matchup during an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast. His comments highlight why Dallas remains patient with the veteran’s recovery rather than rushing him back.
“Kyrie [Irving] is different for me… After the games ima need to see a chiropractor… I love playing against Kyrie; he’s the most challenging for me,” VanVleet said.
Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell had also labeled Kyrie Irving as the most difficult player to guard in today’s NBA before VanVleet‘s remarks.
The consistent praise from fellow players underscores Irving‘s elite status even while sidelined.
His creativity, ball handling, and finishing ability make him a nightmare matchup for defenders when healthy, qualities that have earned recognition as one of the most skilled offensive players in NBA history.
The Mavericks clearly view both Irving and Flagg as untouchable pieces. According to reports, Dallas refused to engage in any February trade discussions that didn’t include both players as foundational elements.
The franchise drew major attention after acquiring Flagg out of Duke, and pairing him with a healthy Irving represents their blueprint for contending once the veteran returns to action.
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