Kyrie Irving looks to be the happiest he’s been in recent seasons ahead of his first full year with the Dallas Mavericks. After a disastrous end to last season with the team missing the playoffs, Kyrie is ready to be a leader for the franchise and vows to be willing to get uncomfortable if the situation calls for it.
“For me, the accolades, success and the businesses are incredible but I’m here to lead these guys in a different way they haven’t been led before, that includes me getting uncomfortable at times and being vulnerable. That’s what I’m about, new challenges, embracing it, and inspiring the guys next to me as I continue to learn.”
Kyrie Irving: “For me, the accolades, success and the businesses are incredible but I’m here to lead these guys in a different way they haven’t been led before.” pic.twitter.com/oRxY4pEV9d
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) October 17, 2023
Irving averaged 27.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 20 games for the Mavericks last season. His production on the court alongside Luka Doncic allowed the Mavs’ to be one of the best offenses in the NBA, Unfortunately, losing Dorian Finney-Smith in the Irving trade destroyed their defense and made it impossible for them to maintain the four-seed after acquiring Kyrie.
With offseason defensive-minded reinforcements such as Grant Williams, Dereck Lively II, Derrick Jones Jr., and Dante Exum joining the team, Kyrie will be crucial in coalescing the bunch and being a communication bridge to Luka as well.
Kyrie Irving Gives A Peek Into His New Attitude
Irving was openly flippant on the Nets about the franchise’s decision-makers, from the owner to the GM to the coach. That attitude seems to have been left behind, with Kyrie opening his statement by giving the Mavs’ coaching and leadership staff their flowers in breeding a successful atmosphere.
“The currency of life is relationships. Seeing these guys grow from day one, being patient enough to be led by our coaching staff, our executives, myself, Luka, and all the guys. It matters that you embrace every part of this journey, you’re going to have every emotion come out.”
The challenges from his time in Brooklyn were built off distrust, which clearly he doesn’t feel with the Mavs. Many expected Irving to start regressing into his old ways after securing a new contract, but it seems he’s motivated to be the piece that takes the Mavericks back into title contention.
The Mavericks Consulted Kyrie Irving While Building Out Their Roster
The Mavericks have gone out of their way to build trust with Irving. One of the primary ways in which they did that was by consulting Irving on their decision-making during the summer, taking the guard’s inputs on the team trying to revamp their roster after being the 11th seed last season.
“They asked me what I thought throughout the summertime. Even in our closing meetings, they asked me questions trying to gauge who I wanted to play with, who I saw on the market, and who in these next couple of free agency classes would be available. It was pretty interesting, so I was looking to the future while being aware it takes time to build chemistry.”
Irving probably hasn’t felt respected by an organization like Dallas in ages. He was drafted by the Cavaliers and went from being the star child to the sidekick when LeBron James returned, with the front office (rightfully) favoring James. He went to the Celtics as a star but didn’t feel appreciated by management. A similar story played out on the Nets, but Dallas seems to have bucked that trend.
The communication between the front office, coaching, and the players has to be encouraging. Dallas hasn’t been a great organization in recent years, but it’s clear they’re trying to maximize what they can achieve with a new mindset after last season.
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