What NBA Stars Really Think About Kyrie Irving: Praise, Rivalries, and Respect

Kyrie Irving’s basketball skills are often described as otherworldly.

His ability to handle the ball and score with ease makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Players like Kevin Durant, who has known Irving for years, highlight how challenging it is to guard him.

Despite their current rivalry on opposing teams, Durant respects Kyrie’s talent and enjoys the competition.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his physical dominance, contrasts his style with Kyrie’s finesse.

When asked about facing top shooters like Irving and Luka Dončić, Giannis emphasized playing his own game rather than trying to match their shooting prowess.

He acknowledges that Kyrie’s skill level is in a league of its own, making him one of the toughest opponents on the court.

The rivalry between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors during the mid-2010s put Kyrie in the spotlight.

Draymond Green, a key figure for Golden State, expressed deep respect for Kyrie’s scoring ability, calling him one of the most skilled players ever.

Green noted that unlike Kevin Durant, who can be pressured defensively, Kyrie’s game is so refined that it’s almost impossible to disrupt.

Damian Lillard, another elite point guard, publicly praised Kyrie as the most skilled player in NBA history, a sentiment that even sparks debate among fans and players who might argue for Steph Curry’s talent.

Nevertheless, the respect is unanimous when it comes to Kyrie’s technical mastery and clutch performances.

Irving’s relationship with Russell Westbrook is also noteworthy.

Though their playing styles differ—Irving relies on precision and skill, while Westbrook depends on athleticism—the two share mutual respect.

Westbrook appreciates Kyrie’s dedication and the values he stands for, especially regarding family and personal beliefs.

One of the most iconic moments in Kyrie’s career came during the 2016 NBA Finals when he hit the game-winning shot over Steph Curry in Game 7.

Klay Thompson, who was guarding Kyrie before a defensive switch, has openly regretted that decision, calling it one of his biggest career mistakes.

This moment alone cements Kyrie’s reputation as a clutch performer who can rise to the occasion under immense pressure.

Rising stars like Victor Wanyama and Anthony Edwards have also acknowledged Kyrie’s greatness.

Wanyama praised Irving’s ability to score despite tough defensive matchups, and Edwards admitted that there was no answer for Kyrie and Luka during a recent game where both exploded offensively.

Kyrie has also played a mentorship role for younger players such as Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.

Both have publicly thanked him for his guidance early in their careers, highlighting his influence beyond just scoring and ball handling.

Steph Curry, often compared to Kyrie, has spoken about the 2016 Finals series where both Irving and LeBron James elevated their games to an extraordinary level.

Curry described those final games as some of the most impressive performances he’s ever witnessed, underscoring Kyrie’s ability to perform when it matters most.

Tyrese Haliburton, one of the NBA’s promising young guards, recognizes the difficulty of defending players like Kyrie and Luka Dončić.

He admits that while they will get their points, the key is to make their scoring as challenging as possible.

LaMelo Ball, known for his own flashy style and smooth playmaking, has expressed admiration for Kyrie, calling him the best ball handler in the game and praising his championship pedigree.

LaMelo’s respect adds to the consensus that Kyrie is a generational talent.

Luka Dončić, who has developed a strong on-court chemistry with Kyrie playing alongside him for the Brooklyn Nets, has praised Kyrie’s leadership and the ease he brings to the game.

Luka notes that having Kyrie on the floor makes playing easier, as defenses have to focus on Irving, opening up opportunities for teammates.

A memorable highlight came when Kyrie hit a game-winning shot over Nikola Jokić, one of the toughest defenders in the league due to his size and wingspan.

Jokić himself acknowledged the difficulty of that shot and gave Kyrie credit for his incredible skill.

Despite his off-court controversies and occasional drama, Kyrie Irving remains one of the most respected and talented players in the NBA.

His ability to perform in clutch moments, mentor younger players, and dominate with unmatched ball-handling skills ensures his legacy in basketball history.

As Kyrie moves past his prime years, many believe he still has much to offer the league.

Fans and players alike hope to witness more unforgettable moments from one of basketball’s most gifted and complex stars in the years ahead.