Commander expects the combination of Doncic and Kyrie “It’s a big advantage”
Kyrie Irving, who was traded from the Nets to the Mavericks, made his first press conference as a member of the Mavs. “I felt disrespected,” he told his former club Nets, adding, “I don’t criticize anyone by name. There are many, but I’m against it,” he said without trying to say much.
“I have no personal grudges against anyone at the Nets. I will continue to have friendships with my teammates, as I have at every club I’ve been with. I’m lucky enough to get my chance with the Mavs. “Everyone talks about off the court and I want to change that. I want to create my own story and just keep getting ready on the practice field.”
Fellow Mavs manager Jason Kidd also spoke about the trade during a press conference. During his playing days, Kidd spent six and a half seasons with what was then the New Jersey Nets from 2001, leading the team to two NBA Finals. Kylie, who grew up in New Jersey, said Kidd was a dream. The two have been training under a common personal trainer and have been close friends.
The acquisition of Kyrie will be a big factor in the rise of the Mavs, which had a superstar in Luka Doncic but lacked the talent to support him. “Kyrie’s acquisition is huge, not just for Luca but for the other teammates,” Kidd said.
When asked if Doncic and Kyrie, who both have the ball together, would work together, Kidd cites Kyrie winning an NBA championship while playing with LeBron James when he was with the Cavaliers. Listed in
“LeBron’s style of play is often compared to Luca,” Kidd said. “Kyrie has played with some of the best players in the world and has achieved success.
“We need a playmaker like[Jaylen]Branson. I don’t want to blame Branson, but Kyrie is on a different level. We’ve had Luca double-team a lot and that’s where Kyrie gets a chance. It’s a big advantage for us.”
What worries me is that neither Doncic nor Kyrie are the defensively aggressive types. But Kidd says, “I always try to preach the importance of defense, but I think offense can be a threat. It’s not easy to follow a game where you score 130 or 140 points.”
On February 8th, Kyrie will make his debut in the new world against the Clippers. However, Doncic is expected to miss the game with a heel injury, and it is likely that the two will play together against the Kings on the 10th.
