Kyrie Irving is one of the best guards in the league when he’s healthy. There’s no doubt that he’s a fantastic shot creator, and his ballhandling ability is what sets him apart from other guards. Currently, Kyrie Irving is putting up 27.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 5.6 APG for the Brooklyn Nets.
There is no doubt that Kyrie Irving makes the Brooklyn Nets much better offensively. Some, like Max Kellerman, even believe that Kyrie Irving is the most skilled offensive player of all time.
“Kyrie Is radioactive. Look, I’ve said he’s the most skillful player in the history of basketball. I don’t mean he has the wisdom as to know when to deploy his skills, how much of it, and when. That wisdom he does not have to the extent that one of the greatest players ever had. I think he might be the most skillful offensive player of all time. I’m talking about pure skills,” Kellerman said on ESPN’s First Take.
However, a recent statistic shared by Tommy Beer shows that the team struggles defensively when he’s on the floor. Beer also revealed that the Brooklyn Nets are 0-7 in games where Kyrie Irving plays 40 or more minutes.
The Nets are 0-7 this season in games in which Kyrie Irving plays 40+ minutes
Brooklyn is allowing 114.9 points per 100 possessions with Irving on the floor this season. https://t.co/IzwqrquOhk
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) April 3, 2022
The Nets are 0-7 this season in games in which Kyrie Irving plays 40+ minutes Brooklyn is allowing 114.9 points per 100 possessions with Irving on the floor this season.
Kyrie Irving’s defense isn’t necessarily great, but it is clear that the team needs his offense next to Kevin Durant. They are one of the best duos in the league and Kyrie Irving’s scoring ability definitely makes up for his deficiencies on the defensive end of the floor.
With that being said, the Brooklyn Nets will need to lock in on that end of the floor down the stretch if the goal is to make it out of the play-in tournament. Both sides of the floor are important, and defense matters when it comes to winning games.
