“Like the girl that got away, will hurt you for the rest of your life” – Kyrie Irving gets candid about FAILED Nets superteam with Kevin Durant and James Harden

The Mavericks' star guard looks back at what could have been in Brooklyn in regret.

“Like the girl that got away, will hurt you for the rest of your life” – Kyrie Irving gets candid about FAILED Nets superteam with Kevin Durant and James Harden

The Brooklyn Nets had made a commitment of a staggering $704,339,372 for the Big Three, which ended up being a huge failure (Associated Press)

The Brooklyn Nets’ era, once seen as a new superteam dawn, ended in unfulfilled potential. Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant, immensely talented, were expected to transform the NBA. Yet, their path faced many challenges, leading to a dispersal that left a feeling of missed opportunities.

The breakup of this powerful trio started with Harden’s 2022 shift to the 76ers. Irving then joined the Mavericks amidst the off-court controversies he faced during that time. Durant’s move to the Suns ended an era of high hopes but few achievements, leaving a legacy of unfulfilled expectations and what-ifs.

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Reflecting on this period, Kyrie Irving remarked:

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For me, even when James [Harden] came to Brooklyn... I've always told them that 'this is bigger than just us being teammates right now.' It's unfortunate that me, James, and KD [Kevin Durant] are part of NBA history what-ifs of just having a super-team... We did have a few good seasons... It's kind of like the girl that got away, it'll hurt you for the rest of your life.
Kyrie Irving on the Nets Superteam

Irving’s poignant analogy aptly encapsulates his Brooklyn Nets’ journey – a narrative filled with promise but ending in heartache. Despite their star power, the team grappled with injuries, chemistry issues, and external factors, all of which combined to derail their quest for glory.

The story of the Nets serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where talent alone is not a guarantee for success. Their saga is not just about the games played but also about the dreams they inspired and the heavy burden of expectations they shouldered.

Kyrie Irving seems to have ‘settled down’ with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks

After the Nets’ split, Kyrie Irving joined the Dallas Mavericks, partnering with Luka Doncic. His debut was impressive, displaying his adaptability and skill. Even without Doncic due to injury, Irving shone as he led the Mavericks to a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 24 points in his first game.

Kyrie Irving is shining in the Dallas Mavericks and putting up some great numbers (Associated Press)

Irving’s integration in Dallas has been seamless, indicating the beginning of a promising chapter in his career. He has averaged 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists on a 55.2% field goal efficiency. This performance continues to be a testament to Kyrie’s skill, resilience, and chemistry with fellow star guard Luka Doncic.

As Irving embarks on this new journey with the Mavericks, his past with the Nets remains a poignant reminder of the transient nature of success in professional sports. Like the analogy he made, the opportunity with the Nets that got away will always haunt him, although he did get a pretty ‘bad wife’ in Dallas and promises that he’s not thinking about his ‘ex.’

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