Kyrie Irving, who has shared the court with some of basketball’s most elite talents, publicly declared Kevin Durant as his best teammate during a recent stream. Despite playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Irving singled out Durant for his exceptional impact on the court, citing their remarkable chemistry while playing together.
On his stream, Irving said,
“I will say this the 7-eleven duo of me and KD will never be topped in terms of just being on a court with somebody that special, right? So let me get that disclaimer out. All right, let me get that disclaimer.”
—Kyrie Irving, NBA Player
He further emphasized Durant’s greatness with,
“I’ve played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD, it was OD. All right, he’s one of the best of all time. Obviously, we all have our strengths and weaknesses.”
—Kyrie Irving, NBA Player
Comparing Team Experiences with LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Irving’s statement is notable because it elevates Durant above other renowned teammates, particularly LeBron James. Kyrie and LeBron shared three seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including their iconic 2016 NBA Championship victory, famous for a historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors. Their partnership was marked by intense moments and clutch performances, especially in that Game 7 triumph.
In addition, Kyrie teamed up with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, reaching the 2024 NBA Finals. Their collaboration combined Luka’s dominant ball-handling with Kyrie’s elusive scoring off the ball, creating an exciting dynamic that energized Mavericks fans despite not securing a championship. Challenges such as injuries, roster inconsistencies, and tough competition ultimately prevented sustained postseason success for the duo.
Challenges and Connections During the Brooklyn Nets Era
The period when Irving and Durant played together for the Brooklyn Nets was marked by high expectations that frequently gave way to frustration. The pairing was anticipated to be one of the most formidable scoring tandems in the league’s history but was hampered by off-court distractions, health setbacks, and an unstable supporting roster. Despite these hurdles, their shared moments on the court left a significant impression on Irving.
Durant’s versatile scoring ability—his size, shooting accuracy, and adaptability—allowed Irving to operate with more freedom, often drawing defenses and opening opportunities. This on-court harmony, even without playoff breakthroughs, stood out in Irving’s view as unmatched by his other experiences.
What Defines the ‘Best Teammate’ for Kyrie Irving?
Irving’s declaration sparks ongoing discussions about how to define the best teammate: is it the number of titles won, the chemistry shared, or pure basketball skill? For Irving, the answer leans heavily toward skill and playing synergy rather than championships alone. While his time with LeBron and Luka brought more team achievements, it was Durant’s unique talent and presence that earned his top spot.
This perspective reveals Irving’s complex evaluation of his relationships on the court, emphasizing quality of play and connection over solely results. Given Irving’s stature and influence, his opinion will likely fuel debates within NBA circles for some time.