DALLAS — Kyrie Irving, who finished the 2022-23 season with a 5-11 record in 16 games played alongside Luka Doncic, was a key contributor in leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 50-win season and an NBA Finals appearance against the Boston Celtics.
Irving, who is averaging 22.8 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 17 postseason games, reflected on his tenure with Dallas after practice on Monday and expressed gratitude for the situation he's in now, praising the “great relationship” he has with the Mavericks organization.
“Dallas taught me all the things that matter, helped me see the bigger picture and enjoy the process,” Irving explained. “When you're dealing with players who like to be honest about how they feel, this new generation has different communication patterns. Once you understand that, they're loyal to me and I'm loyal to them. It's a great relationship.”
Since Irving arrived in Dallas, he has emphasized that his relationship with head coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison has been essential to Irving's success. Kidd, who has dealt with criticism, has helped Irving deal with it.
“I'm speaking for myself, but I think it spills over to my guys,” Irving said. “Coming to Dallas, [Jason Kidd]”Someone who could talk to me about being imperfect, making mistakes, redeeming myself, persevering, and still responding to opposition was influential to me.”
Irving highlighted the challenges that even Slovenian-born Luka Doncic must deal with as the man leading an NBA organization in another country. [Kidd]”Or somebody like Luka, who's dealt with stuff throughout his life, living in a foreign country, trying to lead a franchise, nobody has personal issues and puts them aside and makes sacrifices for the team. I'm with them,” he said.
read more: Kyrie Irving previews NBA Finals showdown with Boston Celtics
Being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Mavericks was a “refreshing start” for Irving, allowing him to continue to grow as a player and, more importantly, as a person.
“I'm excited to talk about this fresh start in Dallas as I continue to grow in the league,” Irving said. “I have the opportunity to grow as a person, a man, a father and a brother, but even more exciting is growing as a basketball player and bridging the gap between younger players and players my age.”
Irving is inspired by his mentor Kobe Bryant to pursue his goal of winning multiple NBA championships. “Along the way, he won some championships, and I still look up to that and pursue that to some extent,” Irving said. “I want to be able to sit at that table and say I won multiple championships in the best league in the world.”
read more: Mavs' Kyrie Irving reminisces about his mentor Kobe Bryant and reveals goals he was inspired by him
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