There’s no denying that Kyrie Irving is an elite basketball player. His statistics, alone,
Currently, Irving averages 27.1 points, on 48.6% shooting, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. On paper, it’s hard to fathom why such an elite player has had issues with his past teams – which now include the Brooklyn Nets. But the relationship Kyrie has had with past franchises, and all the drama that has surrounded him outside of basketball has sort of tainted his basketball legacy.
No doubt that he’s more than capable of living up to a high-caliber game, but can Kyrie.. beat Kyrie?
Others have proclaimed that the demise of Kyrie Irving has been self-inflicted. He did it to himself.
“He has wrecked team after team, after team. He wrecked his own legacy,” an NBA analyst once said about Kyrie. The frenzy Kyrie has caused in the NBA is both intriguing and disappointing, especially as a fan. ESPN’s Skip Bayless articulated it perfectly: “I’m so tired of this story, but at the same time, I’m so fascinated and riveted. I’m all eyes and all ears to one of the most despicable stories in the basketball context I can ever remember. In all my years of closely watching and deploying love the National Basketball Association.”
Skip has been very vocal, about how he believes Kyrie – a former NBA champion – represents everything that is wrong with the modern NBA. He’s the “best story in sports right now for all the wrong reasons.”
From Rookie of the Year to sabotaging every team he’s suited up for, Kyrie has lost fans along the way. While yes, his loyal fanbase remains, it’s no surprise some have stepped back from their favorite player.
“This man, who turned on so many fans to the game just because he’s so much fun to watch, is now turning off so many fans. Because he has wrecked team after team after team.”
So, who’s next on Kyrie’s demolition list? As the weekend came to an end, the sports bomb was dropped. “Kyrie Irving has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks.” Are they next?
Kyrie Irving has been traded to the Mavericks, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/UD0Fp8Mmqh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 5, 2023
Brooklyn finally made a move this past Sunday and traded Irving, along with veteran forward, Markieff Morris, to the Mavericks. In return, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and unprotected 2029 first-round and second-round picks, were sent to Brooklyn.
“Talented but troubled.” What is up with Kyrie Irving?
Maybe It’s Me
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 6, 2023
*Mavs need a bucket to win with seconds left*
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 6, 2023
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving: pic.twitter.com/yKOpIcL7Jr
The never ending cycle of Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/dGhpGVYIen
— Buttcrack Sports (@ButtCrackSports) February 5, 2023
Kyrie Irving on his way to The Dallas Mavericks pic.twitter.com/gjSYlzlP2S
— GreenRunsDeep (@CelticsGRD) February 6, 2023
"This is the biggest disappointment in NBA history when it comes down to a Big 3 like them forming together. They got zero accomplished."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 6, 2023
Kendrick Perkins on the Nets' Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Hardenpic.twitter.com/KUfQqFWTo7
I don't think Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are going to work well together
— Troydan (@Troydan) February 5, 2023
Kyrie Irving is expected to arrive for a physical on Monday in Dallas and travel to make his Mavericks debut vs. the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday (10 PM ET, ESPN), source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2023
Nets Owner Joe Tsai Reportedly Didn't Care Where They Traded Kyrie Irving As Long As It Wasn't To The Lakers Since That's What He Wanted https://t.co/DsGaUejaB6 pic.twitter.com/4sRwIG0Pej
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 6, 2023
