TCU star and Olympic bronze medalist Hailey Van Lith was asked to choose between several NBA players and shared some odd choices. First starting out with Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards, then choosing Jalen Brunson over several players before pivoting to Kyrie Irving. She then picked Irving over Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and LeBron James.
Reporter: “Jalen Brunson or Kyrie Irving?”
Van Lith: “Kyrie.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or Joel Embiid?”
Van Lith: “Kyrie.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or Kevin Durant?”
Van Lith: “Kyrie.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or Luka Doncic?”
Van Lith: “Kyrie.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or Stephen Curry?”
Van Lith: “That’s so impossible. I’m gonna say Kyrie, I’m gonna stay loyal.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or The Joker?”
Van Lith: “Kyrie.”
Reporter: “Kyrie or LeBron?”
Van Lith:” Kyrie.”
"Jalen Brunson or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?"
Hailey Van Lith: "Brunson."
"Jalen Brunson or Kyrie Irving?"
Hailey: "Kyrie."
"Kyrie Irving or Steph Curry?"
Hailey: "Kyrie."
"Kyrie Irving or LeBron James?"
Hailey: "Kyrie." 👀
(via @overtime/ TT)pic.twitter.com/3dVzezr4l8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 14, 2024
Van Lith clearly is a big fan of Kyrie Irving and is showing him a lot of respect by picking him over some of the all-time great players in the NBA. While some might argue that he isn’t better than LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Kevin Durant, this was a test more of personal preference rather than objective value.
It’s a good thing for Irving that Van Lith wasn’t asked to choose between him and Kobe Bryant, as she might have picked Kobe in that scenario. Van Lith won a bronze medal with Team USA in 3X3 basketball and spoke about how proud Kobe would have been of their team’s Mamba Mentality.
Kyrie Irving Is Well-Respected By His Peers
Kyrie Irving is considered by many to be one of the most skilled players of all time, with some even suggesting that he is the most skilled player in history. While his accolades do not rival some of the other players Van Lith chose her over, there is no denying the raw talent that Irving has.
Kevin Durant, Irving’s former teammate on the Nets, recently praised Irving and his game, calling him a perfect player with no flaws in his wheelhouse. This shows just how highly Irving’s peers in the league see him.
Kyrie has experienced somewhat of a career resurgence since joining the Mavericks. After a disastrous and controversial stint with the Nets, Irving helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals last year.
Irving has been one of the best players in the NBA for quite some time now, with him winning an NBA championship in 2016, eight All-Star selections, and two All-NBA selections, and was named the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year.
This season, Irving and the Mavericks are hoping to return to the NBA Finals, and potentially win an NBA championship. But after a poor 5-7 start to the season, the team does have some things to figure out, despite Irving’s solid performances.
This season, he played very well before his injury, averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 54.5% from the field, an astounding 54.1% from beyond the arc, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
If he continues playing like this, the Mavericks could make another run to the NBA Finals and compete for the NBA championship.
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