Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson recently spoke very highly of his teammate Kyrie Irving. In an interview with former NBA player Michael Cooper, Thompson took the time to praise his teammate and former rival.
“He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever guarded,” Thompson said. “I put him up there with LeBron, KD, & Kobe.”
“You can just feel that energy when he walks in the building, he elevates everybody… he’s such a great leader,” he added.
Thompson and Irving have plenty of history as rivals in their NBA careers
Of course, Thompson spent plenty of time guarding Irving when his Golden State Warriors faced off with Irving’s Cleveland Cavaliers for several seasons. Now, Thompson won’t have to worry about guarding one of the league’s most talented ball handlers.
Since landing in Dallas, Irving has played a key factor in the team’s success. He was instrumental in the team’s run to the NBA Finals in 2024, and should play another key role this upcoming season for a Dallas team looking to contend.
In parts of three seasons with the Mavericks, Irving is averaging 25.5 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the arc.
However, Mavericks fans will have to wait a little bit to see Irving back in action, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March. Upon his return, he will join Thompson, Anthony Davis, and the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg on the court.
