Kyrie Irving has enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs missed the postseason after Irving was traded to Dallas in 2022-23. However, Irving has silenced the critics by leading the Mavericks to the NBA playoffs during the 2023-24 campaign. Mark Cuban was previously asked by NBA insider Marc Stein about Irving's focus with the Mavs.
“By listening to him and not telling him,” Cuban said in reference to helping Irving find success with the Mavericks.
Kyrie seems to enjoy playing in Dallas. He is playing a quality brand of basketball with the team. Irving and Luka Doncic have managed to make their partnership work.
Meanwhile, the Mavs and head coach Jason Kidd recently agreed to a contract extension. Kidd and Irving appear to have a good relationship. Of course, the head coach-player relationship is of the utmost importance.
Mavericks fans have embraced Irving as well. He has already become a fan-favorite in Dallas.
Irving had struggled to find a permanent home with an NBA team since beginning his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Perhaps he will spend a significant amount of time in Dallas with the Mavs. Mark Cuban and the team clearly believe in Irving, and the Mavs' performance in 2023-24 suggests that the fit makes sense.
Kyrie Irving has found a home with Mavericks
Kyrie Irving established himself as a superstar in Cleveland. He made four All-Star teams and played a pivotal role in the Cavs' 2016 NBA Finals victory.
He's since played with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie has made six more All-Star teams since leaving Cleveland. However, his fit with the Celtics and Nets did not go according to plan.
Between off-the-court drama and a failure to win a championship with either team, distractions become problematic. Of course, playing in Boston is destined to come with high expectations. Brooklyn also offers a large media market.
Irving ultimately requested a trade from the Nets in 2022-23 after teaming up with Kevin Durant did not lead to the results that either superstar envisioned. Irving landed in Dallas, where he joined Luka Doncic.
The partnership was initially criticized. The criticism only grew louder after Dallas missed the 2022-23 playoffs. As aforementioned, though, Irving and the Mavs silenced the doubters in 2023-24.
Additionally, the 2023-24 campaign has been drama-free for Kyrie Irving. He has been able to place his focus on basketball and the results speak for themselves. Irving has also made the adjustment to play alongside Doncic.
Both players perform at their best with the ball in their hands. An adjustment needed to be made given that fact, and the transition has been impressive. Irving and Doncic have found a way to make it work and now they are preparing for a second-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kyrie's future with Mavericks
The Mavericks want to win the NBA Finals this season. Even if they fall short of that goal, though, 2023-24 will remembered as a positive campaign for the team.
The Mavs added important players at the trade deadline in PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. Rookie Dereck Lively II displayed signs of stardom as well.
Dallas has been able to build around Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. The future is bright for this team regardless of what ultimately occurs moving forward in the 2024 NBA playoffs.
For now, Irving and Dallas are focused on their second-round clash with the Thunder. It projects to be an exciting series between two talented Western Conference opponents.
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