Kyrie Irving’s Bizarre Theory Comparing Himself To Julius Erving Gets Luke Warm Reception From Teammates

It’s no secret that trying to follow Kyrie Irving’s train of thought is like trying to follow a cocaine-fueled cheetah while wearing high heels. Logic and reason do not apply.

Just days after throwing his teammates under the bus following a loss to the Sixers (to which media criticism prompted Kyrie to urge the media to ‘stay the f*ck out‘ of the locker room), Kyrie is now under the impression that he can lead the Nets to an NBA title.

His logic for this claim: A guy with a similar name once did.

Via Michael Lee of The Athletic:

Kyrie Irving was getting dressed in the visitor’s locker room at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday when he decided to share some Nets history with Caris LeVert, who was standing nearby.

“It’s not a coincidence that the last time the Nets won a title, they were led by Julius Erving,” Irving said, referencing the two ABA titles Hall of Famer Julius Erving won with the then-New York Nets in 1974 and 1976. “And now, we have another Irving. I’m just saying.”

The implication was that the Brooklyn Nets were eventually going to win it all again because they employed another player whose name was pronounced the same. Irving was half-joking, half-serious but LeVert was fully confused. Realizing that LeVert wasn’t really feeling his name theory, Irving tried to enlist support from Theo Pinson. Then he called out for Taurean Prince, who furrowed his brow, perplexed.

“I’m just saying. Erving. Irving,” the mercurial All-Star point guard turned defense attorney said, making his case, to no avail.

“How do you spell his name again?” Pinson responded, hoping that Irving would realize how silly he was being with the Dr. J chatter and just…stop.

“He’s with an E,” Irving said, acknowledging the difference, “but how do you say it?”

Irving smiled and nodded. He wouldn’t relent. His teammates wouldn’t, either. Laughter ended the discussion.

The irony of this claim is that the Nets are statistically worse with Kyrie on the floor. In the 13 Nets games he’s played in, his team is 5-8. They’re 13-13 this season without him.

But, to Kyrie, reality is just an illusion.

[h/t The Athletic]