Mark Cuban appeared on Draymond Green’s podcast and opened up on Kyrie Irving‘s time with the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban was full of praise for Irving, revealing how loved he is around the league and within the organization.
“If you watch Kyrie after any game, you can see he’s hugging five guys. It’s not high-fives, quick hugs, and walks off the court. He’s hugging you like he’s related. When we talked to people around him before the deal, nobody disliked him; everybody loved him. When you talk to teammates, current and former, they love him.”
Cuban addressed Irving’s concerning reputation at the time the Mavericks acquired him but revealed it was a media problem more than an issue with Irving itself, with Cuban willing to accept media fire on Irving’s behalf.
“When you asked them what the issue was, they’re like, ‘Oh well, you know, media.’ Kai is just a caring guy and sometimes, he lets that heart come through and people don’t appreciate it. I’m like, I can deal with the media, this is Dallas… I’ll take those bullets like I have done for other guys.”
Cuban then shared his high personal admiration and respect for Kyrie.
“I love Kai to death. The more I talk to him, he’s got a heart of gold. He cares about too many things. If he has a problem, it’s that he cares about too many things. There are certain people when you hug them, you feel who they are. That’s Kyrie Irving.”
"There's certain people, when you hug them, you feel who they are. That's Kyrie Irving"
—@mcuban takes @Money23Green through trading for @KyrieIrving 💯 pic.twitter.com/sb3YGwO9wY
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 1, 2024
Cuban is showing Irving the kind of love that he expected other franchises to show. It’s not just words, as the Mavs have done everything possible to keep Irving happy and comfortable with the team. This includes hiring a private chef to make Irving Ramadan meals on the road, as compared to the bananas the Brooklyn Nets would keep by the bench for Irving to break his fast.
He’s averaging 25.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season, as Dallas has emerged as one of the biggest threats in the West over the last two months.
Kyrie Irving Is Thriving In Dallas
Kyrie Irving has always been a sensational player on the court, but everything else is falling into place for him. Irving revealed in March that this is the healthiest he’s been in years, which has prompted Kyrie to also break his previous career-high for dunks in a season.
“Did you watch the movie Benjamin Button? What if I’m getting more athletic in my 30s? That would be a heck of a thing, wouldn’t it? With no screws in my knee, with no almost bad ankle. It took me a few years to get healthy.”
Irving has also been accepted in Dallas by the larger community and not just the organization.
“I have my own beliefs and views. I think, here in Dallas, I have been accepted way beyond just my talent on the court. I think it is for what I represent in the broader world. I think there’s a genuine connection I have here, and the fans relish that…”
Irving’s partnership with Luka Doncic is coming together perfectly, with the two forming the best backcourt in the NBA. The pair have also led the Mavs to a 45-29 record, as Dallas registers as the clutches team in basketball this season and among the biggest threats in the West.
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