Kyrie Irving snaps back after NBA guru drops haymaker on newest Maverick

Bill Simmons recently had some choice words for D'Angelo Russell ahead of his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, and Kyrie Irving isn't putting up with it. On a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons went after Russell, particularly his consistency, by comparing him to a friend who overstays his welcome.

"He’s your buddy that comes to visit and it’s really great when he is only there for one day and by day six you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave," Simmons said. "That’s DLo."

Irving saw an aggregation of this quote on X, and he made it clear that he wasn't a fan of what Simmons had to say.

Kyrie Irving boldly backs up D'Angelo Russell

Irving is known as one of the top leaders of the team, especially as he spends time sidelined due to the torn ACL that he suffered back in March, and he never refrains from standing up for his teammates when needed, on and off the court. Russell has received his fair share of doubt ahead of his first year in Dallas, as fans and media have been concerned that he won't be able to be dynamic enough to replace Irving's production until he returns.

He quickly proved that he will be a great Irving replacement in his first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as he finished with five points and five assists, and he followed this up with seven points and five assists last night against the Charlotte Hornets. His playmaking is looking excellent, and this is what could help lead him to having an excellent first season in Dallas.

Whether he's throwing a lob from half court to Cooper Flagg for an emphatic slam or throwing a pocket pass to a cutting big man in transition, he has proven that he is going to be a reliable stopgap point guard. Russell's playmaking and passing have been magnified within the Mavericks' offense, and he has exemplified that he is willing to switch his playstyle to fit what they need, and Irving's defense of Russell is how every Mavs fan is feeling.

Russell isn't constantly calling his own number and trying to be a primary scoring option, even though he can do that when needed, and his play to begin the year is going to be one of the Mavs' biggest X-factors. He just needs to maximize the play of those around him while taking care of the basketball and being a steady hand and leader, and if the two preseason games have shown anything, they have proved that he can do that.

Russell has the pieces around him to lead a strong offensive force, as Flagg, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II will likely join him in the starting lineup, and Simmons' take on Russell could end up blowing up in his face.

It goes without saying that Russell has had his fair share of struggles in some previous stops, and his new role in Dallas will give him the chance to show that situation and fit are everything. Russell signed with the Mavericks despite having the chance to earn more elsewhere, and his bold bet on himself is what could have Simmons eating his words at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.