Kyrie Irving explains what to expect from his pairing with Luka Doncic
Trading for Kyrie Irving was the Dallas Mavericks' admittance to being all in. It's something fans and those that analyze the team have been waiting for. As an expiring contract, Irving represents a move to win now, while also giving the Mavericks an out if things go sour. So, after his first practice as a […]
Trading for Kyrie Irving was the Dallas Mavericks' admittance to being all in.
It's something fans and those that analyze the team have been waiting for. As an expiring contract, Irving represents a move to win now, while also giving the Mavericks an out if things go sour. So, after his first practice as a Mavericks, Irving spoke to reporters, where he revealed what fans can expect from his pairing with Luka Doncic in the backcourt.
"It's still a wait-and-see, but I think of me as a hooper, me as a basketball player, am I worried about us coexisting or finding cohesion? No," Irving said when asked about any concerns fitting with Doncic on the court. "I've played with some of the best of all time, the greatest of all time. I've been on some of the greatest teams — at the Olympics and in the world championship."
He added: "I think this is gonna be my first time seeing like one of those bad Europeans come over and really dominate up close and have the opportunity to do it at a pace that I don't think has been seen before, other than like Larry Bird, or think somebody else that just plays at their own pace, scores a bunch of points and is constantly in an MVP conversation every year just cause he commands that much attention."
The questions surrounding fit on the court with Irving are overblown. He is one of basketball's rare seamless superstars. His game fits alongside nearly everyone. When LeBron James came to Cleveland, Irving played off him well. It culminated in Irving hitting the biggest shot of the 2016 NBA Finals.
In Boston, Irving played with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown easily. Both are score-first-oriented wings, but when things were good in Boston, they were really good.
Then in Brooklyn, Irving played with Kevin Durant and for a part of a season James Harden. When those three were on the court together, Brooklyn looked unbeatable.
Irving has a game that meshes with anyone. Doncic has a history of being a willing passer. So, it's not a matter of if Doncic and Irving work well together — it is a matter of when they will find their on-court chemistry.
"As much as I can alleviate for him, as much as I can lead alongside him, willing to do, but there's no pressure here, nothing's forced with me and him," Irving said. "I just want to play by basketball and enjoy his talent and enjoy my teammate's talent and, you know, work towards the championship."
Related Dallas Mavericks reading
"Why Kyrie Irving is worth the risk."
"How the Dallas Mavericks landed Kyrie Irving."
"Luka Doncic boasts ridiculous Mavericks record."
"Why Luka's 50-point games are a bad sign for Dallas."
Feature image via Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
