Kyrie Irving is one of the most spectacular players in the NBA. At just 29 years old, Kyrie has achieved so much success in the league, becoming a multiple-time All-Star and an NBA Champion.
Irving hit one of the most legendary shots in NBA history when he scored a 3-pointer in the dying moments of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. That bucket gave the Cavaliers the lead over the Warriors, and allowed them to complete a 3-1 comeback and win the 2016 NBA championship.
Since then, Irving has played for the Celtics and the Nets. In Brooklyn, Irving formed a dynamic duo with Kevin Durant which eventually became a trio with the addition of James Harden.
Irving gave Durant the idea of teaming up in Brooklyn, as many believe KD initially wanted to join the Knicks. Stephen A. even corroborated the idea that the Nets signed Kyrie because KD wanted them to. But Stephen A. believes the Nets would ship off Kyrie if they were given the chance.
While discussing the Ben Simmons saga on First Take, Stephen A. Smith said that the Brooklyn Nets would pull the trigger on a trade that sent Kyrie to Philly in exchange for Ben Simmons. But because of Kyrie’s friendship with Kevin Durant, the Nets wouldn’t make this move.
Kyrie to the Sixers??? pic.twitter.com/xAhHj99VAz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 22, 2021
“Kyrie could’ve ended up in Philly. Sean Marks couldn’t do that as KD wouldn’t have it. Let me tell you something right now. Philadelphia might have said no, but I assure you that if it were not for Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets would be interested in making that deal. I’ll say it right here on national television. If Ben Simmons is on the Brooklyn Nets with KD and James Harden, it’s a wrap. I think they’re winning the chip anyway, but they’ll damn sure win the chip if they had Ben Simmons in place of Kyrie Irving.”
Kyrie has been in the league for 10 years now and has established himself as one of the most skillful players in NBA history.
His handles and ball control are the stuff of legends, and he is able to make shots under pressure that few would even consider taking. And this skill makes him extremely valuable to the Nets, despite what Stephen A. believes.
Irving has been one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA, mostly thanks to his outspoken nature. While his talent is truly undeniable, it is his willingness to speak on matters that few will that garners him a lot of hate from the fans and even the media.
