10:24 PM
Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail blazers, believes that Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is the most skilled player to ever play the point guard position.
"Kyrie is a wizard, man," Billups said before the game. He's a must-see. I think that Kyrie is the most skilled player that's ever played that position, and I was a player that played that position. Straight skill. Nothing else. Straight skill. I think he's the best at his position. He gives you a lot when he's playing.
When Irving is on the floor, Billups said that the Nets become different. Irving has played in just the second game of the season.
The Nets decided against having a part-time player because of New York City's vaccine mandate, so they didn't sign Irving. The organization reversed course last month after the COVID-19 outbreak. In his first game back, Irving showed flashes of being the dominant offensive force he has always been.
Billups said that his shot-making was incredible. He's a better passer than people think. He's a willing teammate. He's more than just about the player. He passes the ball. He is a champion. He has a lot of championship experience. I think he hit the biggest shot in NBA Finals history.
Without him, you still have two guys that have been the most Valuable Player in this game and have carried teams a long, long way. When they're all three together, they know how to delegate their roles as well as anyone I've seen. It's a very unique situation and they're figuring it out.
Nets coach and former two-time league Most Valuable Player Steve Nash agreed with Billups assessment of Irving.
Nash said it was hard to argue. There are others in the conversation. Curry is so deadly from long range in a variety of ways. He's off the charts for ballhandling, movement, getting to his spots and shooting around the rim. He's off the charts. He's excellent from deep.
Billups believes that it will be difficult for the Nets to find their rhythm with Irving only able to play in most road games.
"I think it's going to be difficult," Billups said. There's a chance that it can work even though they have two guys that are almost going to be like two. When Ky is there and when he is not. Both teams are great teams and they have the good luxury of being a great team.