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Kyrie Irving vs. Stephen Curry has been a longstanding debate for years. Both the Golden State Warriors star and his Brooklyn Nets rival are widely considered as two of the most electrifying scorers in NBA history.
The Warriors guard obviously holds an edge in shooting, as he does over everyone else on planet earth. But there are a handful of Kyrie supporters who argue that there are areas on offense where very few can match him, even Stephen Curry.
Count ex-Nets guard Mike James on the Kyrie camp. James reacted to a ClutchPoints query on who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of skilled scorers, claiming Irving has a legitimate argument to make the Top 4.
I can’t lie to y’all. Kyrie Irving prolly deserve to be on this list. James harden gotta argument too https://t.co/K9i09AXPYe
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 30, 2021
One fan responded, asking why he had no mention of Stephen Curry. James stood his ground, arguing that aside from shooting “everything” else favored Kyrie over the Warriors star.
Kyrie more skilled then Steph. Steph just shoot better. Everything is in kyrie favor skill wise. But whatever u say fam.
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 30, 2021
But fans weren't having it. One even brought up James' old tweet from 2013 where he calls Kyrie Irving “not better” than the Warriors star. James simply argued that skill doesn't equate to being better.
Me saying kyrie the most skilled doesn’t mean he’s the best. Two different arguments
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 31, 2021
Others dissected the argument even further, claiming that Stephen Curry has led the Warriors to more postseason success. Another argued that Steph can actually match Irving's bag of tricks as well.
What the hell that gotta do with being skilled?
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 30, 2021
He’s more effective? How? And Steph can’t do everything kyrie do. Never seen Steph post up, rarely see him shoot mid range. Kyrie does everything in one game at a high level. More skilled but doesn’t mean he is better tho
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 31, 2021
Some even took it personally, claiming that James was trying to back his former teammate to land a new deal. James, however, clapped back saying he already has a contract in place.
I got a two year contract on a whole different team fam. Troll somewhere else
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) August 30, 2021
There's obviously some bias given that James has played with Irving on the Nets. However, Kyrie Irving is indeed one of the most skilled competitors in NBA history, with a wide array of moves virtually unrivaled by anyone else when it comes to handles and trickery.
Skill is admittedly a pretty vague attribute to quantify. Perhaps Mike James' definition ranks some of Kyrie Irving's strengths higher, or maybe he truly believes Irving edges out Stephen Curry in some key skill areas.
At the end of the day, James is entitled to his take. But safe to say he didn't exactly endear himself to Warriors fans.
