Bob Cousy Says Kyrie Irving Is Not A Superstar

Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy has expressed a critical view of Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, stating that he no longer sees Irving as a superstar. Cousy’s comments came during an interview with the Boston Globe with Dan Shaughnessy, in which he discussed the performance of the Mavericks in the ongoing NBA Finals against the Celtics.

"The Celtics have exposed Kyrie Irving as not quite a superstar. He has been severely subdued. They’re not even trapping him a lot. They’re doing it one-on-one. Kyrie’s working his a** off and they’re still stopping most of his stuff."

"He’s no longer in the superstar category. You’ve got to function in the playoffs to determine where you are in the hierarchy."

Irving is known for his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most. However, Cousy pointed out that the Celtics have successfully exposed Irving’s weaknesses, thereby diminishing his status as a superstar. According to Cousy, Irving has struggled to make a significant impact in the Finals, which is a critical factor in determining a player's place in the hierarchy of the NBA.

In the first two games of the series, Irving managed to score just 28 points combined, shooting a disappointing 35.1 percent from the field on 37 attempts. Although he had a standout performance in Game 3, scoring 35 points, Cousy believes this was not enough to overshadow his earlier struggles. The Celtics' ability to defend Irving effectively, often without even resorting to double teams, highlighted his limitations.

Cousy emphasized that to be considered a superstar, a player must consistently excel in the playoffs. He noted that Irving’s inconsistency and inability to perform at a high level throughout the series have led to his reassessment of Irving’s status. This criticism is particularly stinging coming from Cousy, who is himself a Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion known for his own excellence in the postseason.

Irving’s lackluster performance has been a focal point in the Finals, especially as the Celtics are now just one win away from clinching their 18th championship. Cousy’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment that Irving has not lived up to the expectations placed upon him as one of the leading figures on the Mavericks' roster.

While Cousy’s assessment might seem harsh, it underscores the high standards and intense scrutiny faced by NBA players, especially those with a reputation like Irving’s. For Irving, this criticism serves as a reminder of the level of performance required to be considered among the league’s elite.

As the Finals continue, the pressure is on Irving and the Mavericks to extend the series and prove their doubters wrong. For the Celtics, maintaining their defensive intensity and exploiting Irving’s weaknesses will be key to securing the championship. Whether Irving can rise to the occasion and reclaim his superstar status remains to be seen.