Kyrie Irving is a basketball wizard in every way, and his showmanship on the floor never gets old.
For most defences, he is an offensive nightmare due to his versatility. His speed, agility, and cunning make him an ideal basketball player.
He was a superstar with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The shot that Irving made in Game Seven of the 2016 Finals remains the defining moment of his career.
Along with LeBron James, the nine-time All-Star was instrumental in helping the Cavaliers to a championship after a 52-year championship drought, making it one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history.
The 6’2″ Cavaliers guard Kai’s talent on the hardwood was witnessed by J.R. Smith, who shared the locker room with Kai. After nearly three years of working together, Smith finally spoke clean about what made Irving his most talented colleague.
I think he’s the most gifted offensive player I play with. I think Kyrie’s the only player I’ve ever seen that can score at every level with either hand. He can shoot left-handed. I’ve seen him shoot left-hand threes. I’ve seen him shoot left-hand midis. He’s the best non-dominant and dominant finisher I’ve ever seen in my life who can’t dunk…. He’s like dancing with it,” disclosed Smith while appearing as a guest on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast with Carmelo Anthony.
Melo highlighted what made Irving special
Teammates on the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Anthony addressed Irving as one of the most skilled players in basketball history. A gifted scorer himself, the New York Knicks veteran talked about “Uncle Drew’s” style of playing for his size, coupled with his ability to get to the preferred spots and score.
“But that’s a gift, though, it’s great players who played this game forever that can’t do that. He (Irving) went to that midi school, he went to that footwork school, he went to that killer mentality school. We’ve been in environments together, so to see that his attention and details on what he work on. He’s relentless on mastering his spot, ‘And that’s all I’m going to work on today. I’m not doing nothing else, don’t come work out with me. Cause this is all I’m working on today,'” said Melo, who ranks No. 10 on the NBA’s all-time scorer list.
The 2016 champion’s outstanding footwork, fluid mid-range game, and cold-blooded attitude are showcased in Anthony’s breakdown of Kyrie.
It is difficult to disagree with Melo’s assessment in light of the moments that Irving continues to provide.
Devastating injury
The 2024-25 season will forever be etched in Dallas Mavericks history, thanks to a whirlwind of unexpected events.
It all kicked off with the stunning trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The drama only escalated when Davis, in his Mavericks debut, suffered an adductor strain, adding injury to an already painful offseason.
The experienced guard tore his ACL in 2024–25 while carrying the team’s heavy load; he remained consistent throughout.
We will have to patiently wait for the Irving-Davis duo to perform at their peak and for Kai to regain some of his magic with the ball while thousands of people continue to hope for his speedy recovery.
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