“Some Bad M*fers Came Before Me”: Kyrie Irving Politely Shuts Down Rockets Coach Ime Udoka’s Praise

Kyrie Irving is possibly the most unique offensive player in the league. His razzle-dazzle, coupled with an unparalleled touch across the basket, put his name amongst the best guards early in his career. Since then, with the mentorship of the late Kobe Bryant and the fuel of personal aspirations, Kyrie has crafted, what can easily be said, a complete offensive game.

The same acknowledgment was evident as the Dallas Mavericks visited the streaking Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic stole the show, 47 points alongside a mesmerizing 21-footer scoop (jumper?). However, before the game, Houston’s coach Ime Udoka had high praise for Kye. A media personnel reiterates the coach’s remark, “Kyrie is the best player one-on-one, most skillful player he’s ever seen,” while seeking Kyrie’s opinion.

Irving replied, “I’m appreciative of those compliments, and I honor those compliments.” With that, Kyrie also addressed the similar remarks shot towards him through numerous athletes and analysts. However, Kye then worded his immense love for the game. “That’s not the reason I picked up the basketball,” Irving touched on his desire to be known as a great winner.

Moreover, with immense respect for the players that came before him, Kyrie encouraged everyone to dive deep into basketball history; all while learning about the athletes that pounded the ball with same passion as him.

If Kyrie was not already the best ball handler in the league during his initial years, the 2016 NBA Finals put him on top of the list. One significant moment came when Andre Iguodala, often on the other end of Kyrie’s possession, claimed to fear him the most in a crunch time situation. A massive recognition by a veteran, all while overshadowing Warriors’ championship teammate, Stephen Curry.

NBA greats double down on Iggy’s Kyrie Irving take

The saying, Kyrie Irving is your favorite player’s favorite player, holds more weight than it holds the melodic factor. “I’ve always thought he was special,” LeBron James recently said, dating his admiration for Kyrie even before meeting him in person. Moreover, Kevin Durant, at multiple occasions, have radiated similar sentiments on Kyrie’s game.

“Try to just take 1 thing away, and hope for the best,” Stephen Curry said about Kyrie’s shiftiness and the set of counter moves Kyrie deploys on a nightly basis.

In a recent effort by Complex Sports, they asked few NBA players to name the most-skilled player in the league. Almost every player on the interview roster had Kyrie’ name right away.

Additionally, Kyrie’s tales travel farther than the modern NBA. Greats like Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant, alongside others have opened up on their fascination with Irving’s game. Moreover, basketball savant, someone who King James feels worthy of discussing X n Os of the game, JJ Reddick, has labeled Kyrie’s game as a complete masterclass.

Read More – Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic Earns Bold Tag From Celtics Legend After Kings Fall Victim to 6–0 Streak