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Kyrie Irving (Source: X)
As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, all eyes are on Kyrie Irving, who aims for his first championship since his 2016 title with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Irving's standout playoff performances have drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant from a former Celtics coach.
Notably, Evan Turner, who last played in the NBA in 2020 and served as an assistant coach for the Celtics in the 2020-21 season, has observed Irving's growth and resilience over the years. Turner recognizes Irving's enduring determination and leadership as pivotal to the Dallas Mavericks' success this season.
“Kyrie has to come through and he’s been coming through. He's been coming through like it’s 2014-15. He's been coming through like he sees Steph Curry ahead of him," shared Turner in his podcast with Andre Iguodala on Point Forward.
"I forgot who said it but they were like, ‘He approaches some games like Kobe Bryant,” Turner said. And one thing I don't want, everybody to just enjoy this series. Leave that Kyrie b******t out the door. Enjoy what you are about to watch. You are going to see two of the best duos going head-to-head”, he further added.
‘I'm closest to him’, says Kobe Bryant
When Kyrie Irving was selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Kobe Bryant had just won his fifth NBA championship in 2010 after defeating the Boston Celtics in a thrilling seven-game series. The two players spent time together during Team USA practices, where their relationship grew from playful trash-talk to mentorship.
Kobe took Kyrie under his wing, aiding in his development. This bond culminated in a special moment when Irving FaceTime Bryant immediately after securing his championship in 2016, a heartfelt interaction shared during an interview with the five-time NBA champion.
While speaking with Evan Turner "I was proud of him but I'd say Kyrie is probably the one I'm closest to," said Kobe Bryant. Notably, the first game of the upcoming finals series will be started on June 7.