One of the most significant developments from Kyrie Irving’s new chapter in Dallas is his evolution as a leader.
Irving will officially begin his 14th season in the NBA on Thursday when the Mavericks host the Spurs. He shares the most NBA experience on the team with Klay Thompson and Markieff Morris, both of whom were part of Irving’s draft class in 2011. It’s apparent that Irving embraces his status as one of the Mavericks’ elder statesmen, and sharing the knowledge he’s gained throughout his bevy of experiences has become a priority.
Since the conclusion of the NBA Finals, Irving has returned to a familiar look — similar to his days as a member of the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. He’s rocking a mini-afro, which has a handful of gray hairs sticking out of it. But don’t call the 32-year-old guard an old-head, at least without placing the word “young” in front of it.
“Young old-head. I’m embracing it 100%,” Irving jokingly said Monday. “I was just talking to one of my family members yesterday. The perception of the outside, I have to accept it of me being 14 years in the business, people are going to look at me differently. I’ve settled into the position as a young old-head, but also I’ve done a better job of being intentional with my communication, knowing that I know better and knowing that actions speak louder than words. I just want to lead by example and also have fun doing what I love to do.”
Irving’s reputation as an elite scorer and ball-handler instantly makes him a fan favorite, but he’s also popular among the Mavericks’ younger players. Third-year guard Jaden Hardy has spoken glowingly about Irving’s influence. He’s spent time after practices mentoring two-way guards Brandon Williams and Jazian Gortman. His leadership was on full display on the court during the Mavericks’ weeklong training camp in Las Vegas.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said communication has been an imperative part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, especially with several new players learning the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. The Mavericks won 50 games last season before the playoffs, but Kidd said small conversations such as a question on how one could improve or where someone likes to receive the ball could be the difference in accumulating more victories. Irving and Luka Doncic have spearheaded those talks during practices.
“I think when you talk about Kai’s leadership, he’s soft-spoken but powerful,” Kidd said. “He’s a champion, he’s won. Everyone respects his game ... They all respect his dribbling, his scoring, his competitiveness and they all wanna pick his brain of how they can all get better. He takes the time out to spend with the young group to try to make the game easier for them and that’s just who he is.”
Irving’s leadership was questioned during his brief time in Boston and Brooklyn. He was a veteran on the Celtics while stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were still coming into their own. Irving acknowledged his shortcomings as a leader during the NBA Finals, stating that he’s learned how to talk through his emotions since then.
Not only is Irving mentoring on the court, but he also hosted the Mavericks at his Los Angeles home last week ahead of the team’s preseason game against the Clippers.
“I’ve never seen a house like that, so just to be there and experience that was great for us,” P.J. Washington said. “It’s always great to get some team bonding in, and I think it was great for us, even on the court. It’s going to be great for us going forward and being able to talk about things. Those things really matter and I’m glad we have vets like that.”
Despite another year in the association and offseason surgery to repair a broken left hand, Irving doesn’t appear to be slowing down on the court either. He averaged 13 points on 66% from the field in two preseason games. He made his first six field goals against the Milwaukee Bucks, which included an array of floaters, midrange shots and a pull-up 3-pointer in transition.
Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 41% shooting from 3 in his first full season playing alongside Doncic last year. He’ll be expected to help Doncic shoulder the offensive load again this season, but Thompson will also be there to help take some of the scoring off of his plate. Irving said the Mavericks’ dreams are possible because Thompson is in a Mavericks uniform. It’s a partnership that both players are looking forward to, which they also hope will lead to another championship.
“That was a huge reason why I’m here,” Thompson said on media day, “because Kyrie spoke so highly of me and him believing that I could help achieve those goals.”
Despite his willingness to advise and help mentor his younger teammates, don’t count on Irving being a coach in the NBA once he retires. Maybe a consultant, but he’d much rather spend his time pouring into the players at the youth level.
“Once I’m done, I’ll definitely have one of the best academies of all-time,” Irving said. “Skills training. Mental, spiritual, emotional and just bringing a lot of the experts, not only in the game of basketball but in different fields. A lot of the young old-heads, old-heads, bringing them back and making sure I’m paying homage to the legends. After basketball, it’s going to be so much fun, but I’m enjoying this just as much.”
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