Kyrie Irving has come forward to support his Dallas Mavericks teammate D’Angelo Russell following critical remarks from sports commentator Bill Simmons regarding Russell’s career in the NBA. In response to a clip shared by the NBA Central account on X, Irving asserted that Simmons would hesitate to express such opinions directly to Russell, emphasizing that he stands by his teammate.
Irving’s defense is noteworthy, especially considering that the Mavericks have invested in Russell by signing him to a two-year contract worth $11.7 million, including a player option for the second year. This strategic deal positions Russell as a temporary starting point guard for the Mavericks, particularly while Irving recovers from a torn ACL he sustained in March.
Russell’s journey in the NBA has been marked by various team transitions, with Dallas becoming his third franchise this season after stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Despite the scrutiny of his performance, it is essential to recognize that Russell has already achieved significant milestones in his career. At 29 years old, he is entering his 11th season, has accumulated over $175 million in earnings, and has proudly represented the league as an All-Star.
Overall, Irving’s support for Russell highlights the camaraderie within the Mavericks and their commitment to strengthening the team’s dynamics as they move forward in the season.