The Dallas Mavericks starman Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented players in the NBA. He is also admired and respected by the NBA community. Irving is known for his handles and dribbling with the ball. One could well and truly say that he created ‘a different genre’ in the game. That said, Irving, in particular, agrees with this notion.
Irving recently discussed his place in NBA history on Twitch, where he modestly put himself amongst the top 50-point guards. Known for his brilliant moves and great scoring ability, Irving’s humility startled many fans. This is because most basketball analysts would rank him considerably higher on the all-time than just the Top 50.
I’m Top 50, at least…I’m definitely up there. You got to think, I’ve created a whole different genre, a whole different style with my play. I have people legitimately studying the movements. Trying to figure out how did this young kid named Ky get to be so swaggy like this on the court.
Kyrie Irving via Twitch stream
Irving’s influence on any NBA side he plays is undeniable. A healthy and in-form Irving can do wonders for the team. Just look at how the Dallas Mavericks massively improved last season. His partnership with Luka Doncic led the team to the NBA finals. Their combination remained deadly and received much praise. His handles, scoring ability, and playmaking made him blend with the Mavericks in his first full season.
Still, Irving has never led his team single-handedly to a championship. This could explain his moderate self-evaluation. However, his contributions so far already make him one of the most influential players in history. At least, many other players and retired players hold him in high regard. It turns out he is extremely difficult to guard.
Keon Ellis once said Kyrie Irving was the ‘toughest’ to guard
Many NBA stars have praised Kyrie Irving in interviews and on talk shows. His outstanding handling and exceptional playmaking abilities have repeatedly left everyone stunned. Many consider him the most skilled player in the league’s history and the most difficult to guard one-on-one.
Another star recently spoke highly of Irving. Keon Ellis, the Sacramento Kings’ standout, appeared on an edition of The Deuce and Mo Podcast. Ellis quickly made it known that Irving was the ‘toughest to guard’ on the podcast. He praised Irving’s superb ball-handling skills as well as his ability to score from outside the arc and in the midrange.
Not only that, Ellis stated that Irving simply creates chances to score on the court without seeming to exert any effort. Ellis was also taken aback after meeting Irving for the first time. In addition, Irving will undoubtedly go down as one of the top ball handlers in the NBA. Praise from ex-opponents goes to show how well-regarded the Mavericks star is and his impact in the NBA.
