Who is better for the Mavericks? Kyrie Irving or Jalen Brunson

Kyrie Irving can take over in the 4th quarter to give him an edge over Jalen Brunson

Irving is the best fourth-quarter scorer in the NBA this season, and fans have seen him lift the Dallas Mavericks when Luka Doncic needs a rest. That is not something that has happened much during number 77’s five years in Dallas. Irving is lights out in the final period, and he gives the Mavericks a chance to win every night.

Kyrie Irving is the better player. In The Ringer’s latest rankings, Irving sat 24th and Brunson check in 40th. Most would assume there is a bigger gap between the two players given Kyrie is an eight-time All-Star, and JB was never made the team. Both are exceptional talents, but Irving is a superstar.

The Dallas Mavericks gave up Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, and three draft picks to acquire Kyrie. They would have been better off re-signing Jalen Brunson and trading those assets for a third star. The mistake of letting JB walk in free agency with zero return with haunt the Mavs in the playoffs. They do not have enough defense to make a deep run, and it all comes back to losing Brunson.

The Mavericks are positioned for success if they can keep Kyrie Irving long-term. The 30-year-old point guard is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and will be free to sign with any team. Could Dallas lose their second-best player in free agency two years in a row? The nightmare scenario is a possibility this summer.