"Kyrie Irving is one of the best 10 or 12 players on any list in the league" - Former MIP highlights Kyrie Irving's value despite recent antics
Jalen Rose believes the Brooklyn Nets should do everything they can to keep Kyrie Irving for next season.
The seven-time All-Star has been a target for the LA Lakers since the start of the offseason. However, Shams Charania reported that the franchise had informed interested teams that Irving was not up for a trade.
With Kevin Durant committing to the Nets long term, they will look to retain Irving as well, as the duo can wreak havoc on defenses across the league.
On "The Jalen & Jacoby Show," Rose said:
"Kyrie Irving is one of the best 10 or 12 players on any list in the league. What has happened sometimes, it happens in particular in the NBA and NFL, not so much in baseball, because you have salary cap.
"What ends up happening is Russell Westbrook, for example, becomes his contract, he doesn't become like a tangible basketball player when people breakdown his game."
Kyrie Irving has not been a dependable player for the Nets so far. He has missed a lot of games due to various reasons. Despite all of that, there has never been a shadow of a doubt about his abilities.
Video Footage of Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving open run in LA two days ago https://t.co/Kf2c7TQxtQ
The 2016 NBA champion is one of the best point guards in the league. Last season, in just 29 appearances he averaged 27.4 points per game and scored over 50 points twice in a week. If the Nets were to trade Irving, they could find it difficult to replace his production.
Rose pointed out that Irving's off-court antics have overshadowed his performances in the past, but he remains a valuable player.
"And what has happened with Kyrie since he missed some games over the past couple of years and then he didn’t get vaccinated. People ignore the fact that he only averaged 28-5- 5 last year and was 50-40-90 and had a 60 point game, for real, for real and so I'm not just moving him either."
“Kyrie Irving has no handles” https://t.co/RB784gjwc6
Should Kyrie Irving stay with the Brooklyn Nets next season?
Kyrie Irving has a lot to prove. The seven-time All-Star was eligible for a max extension this summer. But the franchise decided against giving him a deal, citing his unreliableness. The mercurial star has played only 103 games for the team in the last three seasons.
Ball on a string 💯
Peep Kyrie Irving's best handles from the 2021-22 season! #NBAHandlesWeek https://t.co/OcqfVEEU3o
Going into the 2022-23 campaign, the Nets will want to see Kyrie Irving focused and ready to fire. Irving opted into the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.
@KyrieIrvingKyrie putting on for Jersey 🔥 @KyrieIrving https://t.co/O75QM6YtDB
He has stated that he would love to stay with the Nets long term. By putting up some big performances, Irving could lure the Nets into giving him a max extension even before free agency hits. The team is stacked from top to bottom and if he performs at a high level, the Nets could be favorites to win it all.