The NBA had the good idea to invite, together, Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving on the stage for the press conference. Obviously smiling and relaxed after the Mavericks' qualification, the two Mavericks superstars showed immense complicity, whether it was giving a grade of D for the assessment of Irving's transfer to Dallas or discussing the criticism.
“I think we don’t care!” We love playing together. We love playing with this team. We really don't care what people say about us! » replies Luka Doncic, before detailing what Irving means to him. “He’s someone very important to me! Since he arrived here, he never stopped supporting me in everything I did, in everything we did. He helped me a lot to mature and see the game in another way. And, obviously, on the field, it's incredible to play with a guy like him. Just play and have fun. The leader he is for us, not just for me, but for us, is incredible. His energy is always positive. »
They grow up together
In tears at the end of the meeting, Kyrie Irving returned the compliment. And he's even more talkative.
“He pushed me to continue to work on my game, to continue to develop as a young leader. We both agree on the word “maturity”. When I arrived in Dallas, I had a lot of mental, spiritual and emotional problems. They welcomed me with open arms. I don't have a perfect background, and coming into this environment, so I wasn't sure how we were going to operate on the field. But off the field, I knew he would eventually open up. »
Luke? “A teddy bear who loves competition”
And Irving goes even further into their personal relationships.
“This guy is sometimes a big teddy bear off the field. I would even say that he is a teddy bear who loves competition” he explains about Doncic. “Sometimes I just sit back and marvel at his talent and his ability to step out of his comfort zone. I love seeing him become a father. I like to see him develop as a person first and then basketball will take over. We all know how good he is, we all know his stats and stuff like that, but I want to be a teammate and a brother next to him who helps him grow as a man and achieve the things he wants to accomplish. I know he feels the same way. The mission is always the same for us, and when we enter the field, we like to go into battle together. »
