$1,000,000 Go Down the Drain as Injury Costs Millionaire Kyrie Irving a Major Cheque

Kyrie Irving is one of the most polarizing figures in the modern NBA. He has the ability to get spectators off their seats with his incredible ball-handling and finishing abilities. However, his off-court antics, coupled with a lengthy injury record, have made him a frustrating figure. This pattern continues in the current season, with recurring injuries affecting Kyrie’s performance and making him appear less effective on the court.

Kyrie missed his 18th game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks. Injuries have affected Kyrie in more ways than one, as he will lose out on an approximately $1 million pay cheque. According to journalist Justin Russo, “Kyrie Irving’s 18th missed game this season which makes the three-time All-NBA selection ineligible for awards. Irving also misses out on a $1 million incentive (play at least 65 games).”

Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), players who play less than 65 regular season games aren’t eligible for any major individual awards like the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Improved Player (MIP). Furthermore, the NBA has also barred such players from receiving All-NBA honors. The introduction of these new regulations not only influences a player’s likelihood of securing awards but also has repercussions on their potential earnings, as players who receive All-NBA honors are the exclusive group eligible for a super-max contract.

Kyrie Irving’s continuous injury troubles have impacted his performance, reflected in an average of 25.2 points per game this season—his lowest scoring average in the last five seasons. This downturn has also affected the Mavericks’ overall performance. After a promising start to the season, their form has slowly petered out. The Mavs need to promptly address their current slump in performances if they still harbor ambitions of contending for the title.

Can the Mavericks challenge for the 2024 NBA title?

The Dallas Mavericks are in a unique predicament. Despite possessing two of the best backcourt players in the league, the Mavs aren’t considered legitimate title contenders. They lack a world-class 3-and-D wing that many of their title rivals possess. The Mavs are actively scanning the trade market for such a player, and recent reports indicate that they are considering trades for either Kyle Kuzma or Dorian Finney-Smith.

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Dallas certainly possesses the quality to be a threat to established title contenders like the Celtics and the Nuggets. However, they need to acquire an excellent 3-and-D wing and figure out their sub-par defense in order to truly contend for the NBA title. While a deep postseason run could be on the cards, winning the NBA title looks extremely unlikely for the Mavs.

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