“I Failed at the Highest Level”: Veteran Kyrie Irving Steps Aside To Give 24YO Luka Doncic the Key to Mavericks’ Locker Room

Kyrie Irving has been playing for more than a decade in the NBA. His elusive handle mixed with his basketball IQ and shooting prowess makes him a formidable guard for any team. However, at this point in his career, Kai is more sought after for his experience, combined with his ankle breakers. Irving’s Championship pedigree coupled with his knowledge of the game was what attracted the Dallas Mavericks front office to pair him with their generational talent, Luka Doncic.

This season has been bittersweet for the Mavs. Among other things, Mark Cuban left the organization after 23 years, and despite starting with a better record in the first half of the season, the Mavs are now the 6th seed in a pact Western Conference. Even Kai himself was sidelined for 24 days from a right heel contusion. Upon his return, the Mavs faced the first-positioned Minnesota Timberwolves and won.

The decider was his clutch three-pointer, however it was orchestrated by Luka. In regards to that game, Irving said in an interview with ESPN, that he and Luka have a responsibility to ‘galvanize’ the team and he “needed mentors when I was growing up in the league, so I feel like that’s the role I play here, being a very young mentor to Luka [and] to all our guys.” He further added that, “Because I’ve seen a lot, I’ve done a lot. I failed at the highest level, I succeeded at the highest level, and I want to get back to that place.”

For a player like Irving to realize the potential of Doncic, who is much younger than him despite still averaging 25.3 points, this season is a feat of true humility. Doncic has been nothing short of brilliant this season. However, he lacks the experience of guiding a team through a deep playoff run. In that department, Irving will be helpful to him, who has won a prior championship facing a deficit of 3-1.

Does Kyrie Irving have another championship in him?

Another championship may not very well be in the books for Kyrie Irving. At 31 years of age, he still has only a handful of years to perform at the highest level. However, if the Mavs find themselves in playoff contention, Kai’s skills and leadership will be more than helpful.

Read More: Kyrie Irving Plans To Expand His $90,000,000 Portfolio With Latest Venture

Coupled with Luka’s brilliance in the pick-and-roll and an unmatched play-making capacity while attracting the entire opposition’s defensive resources can be the key to their post-season success. However, the possibility of all this happening remains to the seen as the Mavs tackle the rest of the regular season. They are currently teetering within the play-offs spots and will be hoping to seal the deal as soon as possible.

Do you think the Mavs duo can bring the championship back to Dallas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 NBA signature celebration moves, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and more