Kyrie Irving has firmly established himself as one of the most creative offensive players in NBA history. While possessing virtuoso ball-handling ability, Irving pairs his gift with a never-ending arsenal of moves and physical prowess, making him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Needless to say, when healthy, Kyrie Irving is also considered one of the best point guards in the NBA, often mentioned in the same breath as players like Stephen Curry. However, when pondering the guard’s abilities and sheer quality for his size, former NBA player Jeff Teague couldn’t help but make a rather bold claim about Irving on an episode of the “Club 520 Podcast.”
While addressing Irving’s reaction to videos of himself, in which he claimed there wouldn’t be another player like him, Teague stated that Kyrie Irving could have been better than Michael Jordan if he were 6’6″. He commented:
“I feel like if Kyrie Irving were 6’6″, and I know we say that about a lot of people, he would have been the best basketball player ever. He would have been better than Michael Jordan.”
At 6’6″, Michael Jordan was largely viewed as the perfect basketball specimen, especially in the shooting guard position. While still having the length to guard multiple positions, Jordan also possessed phenomenal athletic gifts, which were only accentuated by his height.
In comparison, Kyrie Irving possesses remarkable skills for a player of his stature. Despite being 6’2″, Irving is widely regarded as one of the best one-on-one players in the game. When additionally factoring in his strength, body control, and his ability to finish with his off-hand, it really leaves one wondering how much more impactful he could have been if he were slightly taller.
Needless to say, some of the panelists did not agree with Jeff Teague. Given Jordan’s exalted status as one of the greatest in NBA history, any comparison is usually met with denial. However, Teague elaborated on his point, stating:
“It’s nothing he can’t do. Bro, what can he not do? Name me something he can’t do. He’s not scared of the moment.”
At this point, Jordan’s DPOY award was brought up as an example, something even Teague couldn’t argue with. However, the former NBA player implied that Jordan’s size and remarkable physical tools were also vital in helping him establish himself as one of the more versatile defenders of his era.
“If he [Irving] was 6’6′, bro. Bro, there’s no weaknesses in his game,” Teague added. “Kyrie’s athletic… I’m just talking about his game, bro. There’s nothing he can’t do. He can dribble better than everybody. He shoots just as good as anybody. He finishes at the rim and posts up as good as everybody. Tell me something that he doesn’t do offensively that they [someone else] would do better.”
Teague had to admit that Kyrie Irving may not have won as many rings as Michael Jordan, something he attributed to team success. However, on an individual level, the former NBA player seems to be making an intriguing point.
At his peak, Michael Jordan was the greatest player the game had ever seen. Even after retirement, the fact that he averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game for his career is nothing short of unreal. When considering his stats along with his list of individual accolades and championships, Jordan arguably has the greatest legacy, too. So would Irving really stand a chance?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to make a proper projection, primarily because height is such a variable hypothetical parameter. However, given what the guard has achieved throughout his NBA career, he could have been more dominant in his prime.
Currently, Kyrie Irving still posts an impressive résumé. Aside from being an NBA champion, the 34-year-old has earned nine All-Star selections, three All-NBA selections, and was even named the ROTY in 2012.
Given his career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, Irving has remained impactful. Unfortunately, given his sheer lack of defensive accolades, his case for being greater than Michael Jordan may come up short.
