LAS VEGAS — Dusty May said Thursday that a morning workout with Kyrie Irving left him searching for a proper comparison, finally comparing him to a legendary painter.
May commented on ESPN’s NBA Today from Las Vegas, where the Dallas Mavericks are participating in Summer League this week.
“I spoke with Kyrie and actually witnessed a workout this morning,” May said. “I felt like I left the gym watching Picasso paint a picture. It was phenomenal. We’ll leave that for later, but we’re excited about Kyrie.”
The comment adds to the praise the first-year NBA coach has given his veteran point guard since taking the Mavericks job in late June. Irving hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in March 2025, ending his 2025-26 season. In his last extended run over 50 games in 2024-25, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, earning his ninth career All-Star selection.
Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz Share the Same Optimism
May isn’t the first Mavericks decision-maker to make a flattering comparison this offseason. Team president Masai Ujiri and GM Mike Schmitz have both spoken positively about Irving’s fit with Cooper Flagg since Irving’s arrival in Dallas.
During his May press conference, Ujiri was asked if he hoped Irving and Flagg would share the floor next season.
“You dream like me, man. I can’t wait. I want to see that,” Ujiri said. “Kyrie Irving is one of the best players, and I know he’s the best ball handler in the game. His experience. He’s a championship player. I’m excited to see that, we all are. His injury was unfortunate, but I know he’s moved past that. I think it’s going to be pretty cool, and I know it’s going to help Cooper, because Kyrie likes to play off the ball too, and this is going to be interesting for us.”
Ujiri reiterated that sentiment after the Mavericks parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd.
“Kevin Durant once told me that there’s only one Kyrie Irving walking around in the world,” Ujiri said. “I think we have to figure out a way, how Kyrie fits with our program. I’ve had those conversations with Kyrie, up till yesterday and I think Kyrie will fit. There’s a huge curiosity in our minds to see how Kyrie fits playing with Cooper Flagg, and I think we owe that to this organization.”
Schmitz offered similarly effusive praise at the NBA Draft Lottery in May, when he was asked about the pairing.
“Having a magician with the ball like that who can pass, dribble, shoot, and someone with the connective qualities of Cooper. It’s a match made in Heaven,” Schmitz said.
Building Toward a Cooper Flagg Pairing
The Mavericks opened Summer League against the Warriors, giving fans their first look at rookies Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea.
Irving’s return is a key offseason storyline. With May, Ujiri, and Schmitz optimistic, the upcoming pairing with Rookie of the Year Flagg is a major question heading into training camp.
