Kyrie Irving remained coy when asked about his future in an ESPN interview with Mallika Andrews. While Irving stated that he keeps these things very fluid, he would not mind following in the footsteps of Nico Harrison, Jason Kidd, and potentially Luka Doncic this summer and signing a contract extension with the Mavericks.
“The future is still being written. But I can tell you that with all the extensions that are going around with J Kidd and Nico and potentially this summer with Luka, I think I don’t mind being complimentary if we’re going to continue to put this band together. We have some great pieces around us.”
Irving then spoke about the self-doubt he has faced on a regular basis during his NBA career, and how that affects his decisions. While Kyrie assesses things every season and focuses on basketball, he did state that he is very happy with his stint with the Mavericks.
“There’s always those thoughts that will creep in – ‘I’m just a what-if, what could happen?’. You never know, right? It’s season to season. So, I just like to let it play out and stay in the present moment but I am enjoying my time here.”
"The future is still being written. But I can tell you that with all the extensions that are going around… I don't mind being complimentary if we're gonna continue to put this band together… I am enjoying my time here [with the Mavs]."
-Kyrie Irvingpic.twitter.com/lA3P16docj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 5, 2024
Irving was traded to the Mavericks in 2023 after a tense situation with the Nets came to a head. While the Mavericks missed the playoffs that year, Irving seemingly bought into the vision of the franchise, re-signing with them for a two-year deal. This decision has paid dividends for both parties, as the Mavericks made the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 with Kyrie on the team.
Are Kyrie Irving And Luka Doncic The NBA’s Next Dynastic Duo?
Despite a shaky start playing together, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have gelled really well together, and have formed an incredibly dangerous back-court. Luka and Kyrie led the Mavericks during the playoffs and defeated some of the best teams in the NBA like the Clippers, the Thunder, and the Timberwolves to reach the NBA Finals.
Irving has reminded many fans why he was considered one of the best players in the league with his performance this season. During the regular season, Irving averaged a strong 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. And while his numbers dipped slightly in the playoffs, it was not a reflection of the quality of his play.
During the playoffs, Irving has averaged 22.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. His low scoring is mostly due to him not being the first option, and Luka Doncic having some very high-scoring games in the playoffs. Irving averaged 27.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves, taking his scoring up a level on the big stage.
Irving will be playing against his former team, the Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals. While the two sides had a bad falling out when Irving left the team in 2019, he still showed respect to the organization, claiming that he would not be where he is as a player today without his stint in Boston.
It will be a difficult series for Irving and the Mavericks, as the Celtics have long been considered the favorites to win the NBA championship. But the Mavericks have been defiant in the playoffs, and can never be counted out.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
