Kyrie Irving has been regarded by many as one of the most-skilled point guards of the current generation. Irving has the game to be one of the most dominant guards in the history of the game, as he is wickedly fast, has one of the greatest handles in NBA history, and is one of the most efficient scorers in the league.
After spending most of his early career in the shadow of LeBron James, Kyrie left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Boston Celtics. This move didn’t end up working out as well as Irving would have liked, as he struggled with injuries and would walk out on the team in 2019 for the Brooklyn Nets, where he has again struggled with staying on the floor.
All this uncertainty has led to Irving never being a top contender for a league MVP trophy. Coming into the 2022-23 season, Irving is fighting for a max contract on a championship-quality team. Even with Kevin Durant alongside him, Irving is intending to emerge as the league’s MVP, according to Nets insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
Nets PG Kyrie Irving has been in the gym, focusing on weight training and core fitness this off-season.
Those close to the PG tell @BallySports Irving’s focused on having an MVP caliber season literally. “He’s more than just a dribbling sensation.” https://t.co/vc3VCoUPyG pic.twitter.com/k0751xSdPN
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 27, 2022
If Irving can be on the floor for over 60 games, there is no reason he can’t be a contender in this race. He made All-NBA 3rd team in 2021 even after missing time because of his undisputed talent on the court. In the few games Irving played last season, he had one game with an incredible 60-point performance.
Kevin Durant is arguably one of the best teammates a star guard could want based on his play with Stephen Curry in Golden State and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City. Irving has a lot to prove this year, so KD may even let his close friend prove a point on the court.
While the MVP predictions currently have Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of everyone else, Irving may be able to win over voters on the court. Considering the voters are the same media members that have openly voiced their displeasure against Kyrie’s lack of playing time, maybe they are stunned by his play on the court and decide to give him due and vote for him. It’s a long season, so we will have to wait and see this play out.
