Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving is flourishing as the main option for the Mavericks

By Jalyn Smoot | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 5:13 PM ET

Since their stunning trade of Luka Doncic, the keys to the Dallas Mavericks franchise have been handed to veteran guard Kyrie Irving.

After operating as the second choice for most of his Mavericks tenure, Irving has been elevated to the team's first option and is thriving as the head of their offense.

Through eight games since Doncic was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers, Irving has averaged 28.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Over that same span, the Mavs star has registered five games with more than 30 points and is shooting an impressive 45.9% from the floor.

“He’s doing everything to help the team win,” Kidd said of Irving following his 42-point performance against the Warriors on Feb. 12. “His intent offensively is at a high."

In his 14th NBA season, the 32-year-old guard has proven that he is still capable of carrying the load offensively. Though his offensive prowess receives most of the praise, Irving's leadership has also been a bright spot for Dallas.

Mavs sharpshooter Klay Thompson spoke glowingly of Irving's impact in the locker room.

"Kyrie is one of the best athletes of my generation," Thompson told reporters following a 129-128 loss to Sacramento on Feb. 10. "No question. His accolades and resume are ridiculous. NBA champ, Olympic champ, FIBA MVP... what he's been doing for this long and at this level is incredible.

"He's such a hard worker. He inspires me and everyone else in this building because he's one of the most talented players I've ever seen."

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Thompson's assessment of Irving was not hyperbolic, either. Since entering the league, Irving has been widely-regarded as one of the most unique, efficient players in the league.

A true floor general, the former Duke star is capable of getting his teammates involved and scoring from anywhere on the floor.

Irving's latest performance — a 35-point outburst against the Doncic- and LeBron James-led Lakers on Tuesday — served as a reminder that the Mavs are in safe hands with Irving in the main role.

Since Feb. 2, the day of the blockbuster trade, Irving ranks seventh in the NBA in points per game (28.1 PPG). Additionally, his 46% shooting from the floor over that span is the eighth-highest mark among all qualified guards.

Furthermore, since Doncic was dealt to the Lakers, Irving boasts the fifth-most 30+ point games in the NBA, trailing the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 76ers' Tyrese Maxey and Hawks' Trae Young and tied with the Warriors' Stephen Curry.

There's no denying that Doncic's departure left a massive void in Dallas, but Irving has done an admirable job of filling it.

With Dallas lurking in the Western Conference playoff hunt, the Mavs are hopeful that Irving can continue to keep the team afloat.

Should he continue his torrid pace, and Anthony Davis returns to the lineup, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Mavs close out the regular season on a high.

Jalyn Smoot

Jalyn Smoot is a University of North Texas graduate passionate about writing, sports, and film. Throughout his near decade-long career as a freelance reporter, he has been featured on Bleacher Report, Major League Baseball, Apple News, Fox Sports, and NewsBreak.

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