DeMarcus Cousins’ recent declaration on the All The Smoke Podcast, asserting that Kyrie Irving surpasses Kobe Bryant in terms of skill, has sparked fervent debate among NBA enthusiasts. Cousins, along with co-hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, placed Irving at the apex of basketball skill, a position traditionally reserved for the Lakers legend Bryant.
“I might have to put him over Kob. I have gotta put him over Kobe. That m**********r 5,11 posting them up.”
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The assertion gained momentum when Damian Lillard, among others, endorsed Irving as the most skilled player ever, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms and podcasts. Draymond Green echoed similar sentiments on his podcast, further fueling the discourse.
Cousins, known for his candor, unreservedly hailed Irving’s prowess, citing his ability to dominate despite being undersized at 5’11”. His sentiment was echoed by Barnes and Jackson, who concurred with Cousins’ assessment, albeit with some variation in their top three skilled players.
While opinions on the matter may vary, Irving’s on-court performance continues to garner acclaim. His recent game-winning shot against the Denver Nuggets showcased his clutch play and basketball IQ. Irving’s skill set, including his ball-handling prowess, scoring ability, and court vision, has earned him accolades from peers and fans alike.
However, comparing Irving to Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players of all time, is a contentious issue. Bryant’s impact on the game transcended statistics, encompassing his unparalleled work ethic, competitive spirit, and clutch performances.
Nonetheless, Irving’s contributions to the game are undeniable, and his inclusion in discussions about the most skilled players speaks volumes about his talent and influence. As the debate rages on, one thing remains certain: both Irving and Bryant have left an indelible mark on the basketball world, each in their own unique way.
Kyrie Irving Believes He Is Reverse Aging Like Benjamin Button
Kyrie Irving’s recent musings on his athleticism have drawn comparisons to the fictional character Benjamin Button, known for aging in reverse. After recording his third dunk of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks guard, who is approaching 32 years old, entertained the idea that he might be becoming more athletic with age.
Kyrie Irving on his third dunk this 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."
More:… pic.twitter.com/aifaslRsnT
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 20, 2024
Reflecting on his performance, Irving humorously pondered whether his recent dunk marked a career-high, despite having achieved four slams earlier in his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Regardless of the technicalities, Irving’s dunk tally continues to rise, with four of his 27 career regular-season dunks occurring in the last two seasons.
While Irving’s dunking frequency may have peaked earlier in his career, there is evidence to suggest that he is still improving and maintaining his athleticism well into his 30s. Despite missing a portion of the current season due to injury, Irving’s on-court performance remains impressive, with scoring, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks statistics that either match or exceed his career averages.
Irving’s resilience and ability to perform at a high level, even as he approaches his 30s, have not gone unnoticed. His recent buzzer-beating, game-winning shot against the Denver Nuggets further underscores his enduring skill and athleticism.
In jest or not, Irving’s comparison to Benjamin Button serves as a lighthearted acknowledgment of his ongoing evolution as a player. Whether or not he truly believes in reverse aging, Irving’s commitment to excellence on the court continues to captivate fans and keep opponents on their toes.
Kyrie Irving Backs Victor Wembanyama’s DPOY Case
Kyrie Irving has been thoroughly impressed by the defensive prowess of San Antonio Spurs‘ rookie Victor Wembanyama. Following their recent matchup, Irving shared glowing praise for the young big man, suggesting that Wembanyama possesses all the qualities to be considered a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.
Irving commended Wembanyama’s remarkable timing and defensive instincts, likening them to those of a guard despite his imposing stature. He recounted an instance during their game where he attempted a reverse layup, only for Wembanyama to block it with unexpected precision, showcasing his exceptional defensive capabilities.
The former NBA champion emphasized the value of facing formidable defenders like Wembanyama, believing that such challenges ultimately enhance a player’s skill set. He lauded Wembanyama for his ability to disrupt opponents’ shots and alter their offensive strategies, traits typically associated with DPOY-caliber players.
Irving’s admiration for Wembanyama’s defensive prowess extended beyond mere compliments, as he highlighted the statistical evidence supporting the rookie’s case for the DPOY award. Despite playing relatively fewer minutes compared to other contenders, Wembanyama leads the league in blocks per game, averaging 3.5 blocks per game, while also contributing 1.3 steals per game.
Acknowledging the significance of Wembanyama’s contributions to the Spurs’ defense, Irving endorsed him as a deserving candidate for the prestigious DPOY accolade. He expressed confidence in Wembanyama’s ability to continue making significant defensive impacts and contributing to his team’s success in the future.
As the NBA season progresses, the debate over the DPOY award intensifies, with Wembanyama emerging as a compelling contender worthy of consideration. With Irving’s resounding endorsement and the statistical evidence in his favor, Wembanyama’s defensive excellence continues to garner well-deserved recognition and admiration from across the league.
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