There is a great pool of new talent that entered the league. With these players, new conversations are taking place. One question that pops out very often is whether the veterans will be able to survive this. Although that’s a question that can never be answered clearly, some veterans have already started taking sides.

Among those is Kyrie Irving‘s ex-teammate. Irving, who is widely regarded as one of the very best ever, may not be able to handle Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren as per his ex-teammate. While that is another riddle that will remain unsolved, the 43-year-old didn’t hesitate in belittling Irving openly.

Can Kyrie Irving survive Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren?

Irving’s genius has been proven in the league and his legacy is cemented. Known to be one of the greatest ball handlers of all time, the 31-year-old is pure magic on the hardwood. The ease with which he takes charge in a game is admirable and can serve as a valuable lesson for youngsters. Although Irving’s achievements aren’t as stacked as some of his peers, that is nothing new in the league. We have several athletes as examples who became great without having a solid resume. He has won one championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Irving was also awarded Rookie of the Year in 2012. However, to say that with the new lot of rookies, Irving might not be able to make a mark is an audacious statement. Richard Jefferson, who was with Irving in the 2016 championship-winning team said that he won’t be able to bag a ROTY with Wemby and Holmgren presenting their cases. On an episode of Road Trippin’ he said “Kyrie wasn’t getting Rookie of the Year over Victor and Chet, if those guys were to show up and play to their capabilities.”

He said that a ‘point guard heavy season’ may not be able to fetch you the best rookie award at this time because of the different skill sets that these new athletes are bringing to the table.

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Richard Jefferson’s Rookie of the Year contenders

A well-known veteran in the NBA community, Jefferson believes that Scoot Henderson doesn’t stand a chance with his ROTY as well. He said that “the other two guys he is competing with are just gnarly.” Additionally, Jefferson believes that Henderson isn’t as good an all-around player as Wembanyama and Holmgren.

Who will be your pick for Rookie of the Year among the new lot? Let us know in the comments below.

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