The trials and tribulations of Kyrie Irving have arguably been the main storyline of the 2022-2023 NBA season. The former Brooklyn Nets guard, who now plays for the Dallas Mavericks, has been the source of controversy all season.
It started back just before the season started when Kyrie Irving was accused of multiple instances of actions perceived as anti-Semitic, and then doubling down on those actions with frankly, bizarre behavior. Iriving was suspended, widely condemned in the American media sphere, and lost valuable endorsement deals, including with Nike.
He returned to the Nets before eventually being traded to play with Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks in early February. Predictably, it hasn’t gone well, as the Mavericks have gone from solidly in the postseason when he was acquired to outside the playoff picture with just over a week left in the season.
And, in a big game against the Phildaelphia 76ers on Wednesday night that was crucial for their playoff hopes, Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks let a first half lead slip away, and lost, 116-108. Now, the team sits at 37-40, a game out of the play-in tournament.
After the game, Irving spoke candidly on the Mavericks’ situation.
This is Kyrie Irving’s very long (and thoughtful) answer to what its been like being traded midseason for the first time in his career, which is where the “it kind of looks like a little bit of a clusterfuck” quote came from. pic.twitter.com/Pt5jHtC9MU
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 30, 2023
It’s funny. Assuming the Mavericks either miss the playoffs or don’t make it very far if they do, this will be the third-straight franchise that Irving will have left in ruins, as he also did the same in Boston before joining the Nets. Yet, Kyrie Irving will be a free agent this offseason, and some team, probably the Los Angeles Lakers, is going to give him a huge deal. It makes no sense.