“There’s nothing he can’t do with basketball,” Kevin Durant names Kyrie Irving as ‘most skilled player’ ever in history

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are one of the most prominent names in NBA.

“There’s nothing he can’t do with basketball,” Kevin Durant names Kyrie Irving as ‘most skilled player’ ever in history

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant during their playing days in Brooklyn Nets (Via Sports Illustrated)

There is no denying that watching Kyrie Irving play is an absolute delight for basketball enthusiasts. Whether it be his dazzling crossovers or those exquisite skills that leave fans in awe, he has consistently astonished fans throughout his career. So much so that even Kevin Durant, a superstar in his own right, has openly acknowledged Irving’s unparalleled talent on the court, calling the Dallas Maverick’s player the “most skilled player” ever in basketball history.

This came after Kyrie Irving was selected to the 41-player squad for USA Basketball ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. As for his long-time teammate, Kevin Durant, he spoke volumes about Irving’s abilities and the PG being one of the most skilled players in the history of the NBA.

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Kyrie Durant, as he further highlighted the hard work and dedication of Kyrie, said,

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I think he's the most skilled ever to play the game. I think that there's nothing he can't do with a basketball.

The pair have shared their bond of friendship in the jerseys of the Brooklyn Nets and USA Men’s teams, and have achieved great heights. There is still no denying that Kevin Durant, who himself is a legend of the game, showing respect to Kyrie showcases not just their friendship but how “game recognizes game”.

Kevin Durant’s disconnect from Kyrie Irving after his trade

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were once believed to be best friends in their Brooklyn Nets days. The pair, who joined in 2019, and spent 5 years together in the thread colors of black and white, didn’t have the best years as a team, but it was a milestone for their friendship. But after the trades that sent Durant to the Phoenix team and Irving to Dallas, it resulted in a dramatic ending to their tenure in Brooklyn. And probably their friendship as well. 

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the Brooklyn Nets (Via Sports Illustrated)
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the Brooklyn Nets (Via Sports Illustrated)

Later Durant even acknowledged that while he understood that players make decisions for their careers, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment at not being able to finish the season with Irving. To the point where they even stopped communicating with each other after their respective trades.

While talking about their relationship in the ETCs with Kevin Durant podcast, Durant said,

What [Irving] was doing behind the scenes, what his contract negotiations were, I don’t want to even think about none of that stuff. Whatever he is doing, that’s him … We haven’t had a conversation but eventually we will.

Though their paths have diverged, now both look forward to bringing success to their respective teams. Durant has maintained that he holds no ill will towards Irving and recognizes that players need to make choices that benefit their careers. And with both of their decisions, they hope it’s the correct one for their careers.

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