The Dallas Mavericks are doubling down on Kyrie Irving, and Kendrick Perkins believes it’s paying off in additional methods than one.
Irving, who’s at present rehabbing from an ACL tear, signed a three-year, $118 million extension with Dallas this summer season.
For the previous champion, the transfer cements a bond that he hasn’t felt wherever else in his profession.
Perkins praised each Irving and the Mavericks entrance workplace for making it work.
“I applaud him as a result of the one factor about Kyrie is that he’s finished it his approach,” Perkins stated on ESPN. “You already know who else I applaud? The Dallas Mavericks, the reason is is as a result of relationships matter like Nico and Kyrie. One might argue, that is no knock on Cleveland. That is no knock on Boston or Brooklyn. One might say that is the happiest that Kyrie Irving has ever been in his profession.”
It’s a daring declare, however Irving himself has echoed the identical feeling. After becoming a member of Dallas in 2023, he defined how the town embraced him past the court docket.
“I’ve my very own beliefs and views,” Irving stated in 2024. “I believe, right here in Dallas, I’ve been accepted approach past simply my expertise on the court docket. I believe it’s for what I symbolize within the broader world.”
That acceptance is rooted in his long-standing relationship with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, going again to their Nike days. For a participant who has battled controversy in Boston and Brooklyn, the connection has been important.
Irving additionally proved his price final postseason, serving to lead Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals. His management and shot-making in huge moments silenced doubts about whether or not he might nonetheless be the second star on a contending staff.
With Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rookie phenom Cooper Flagg now alongside him, the Mavericks are betting on Irving to assist information them again.
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