What happened: Mo Dakhil said sharing the floor with Kyrie Irving will open more opportunities for Cooper Flagg this season. The remarks came on NBA TV's The Association during preseason discussion of the 2026-27 campaign.

Why it matters: Flagg's Year 2 usage next to a veteran creator shapes early rotation plans. The pair headlined the preseason starting five after connecting on a fastbreak in Macao.

What to watch: Watch how their minutes and creation duties split as preseason moves toward opening night.