Grading every Dallas Mavericks player ahead of 2024 NBA Playoffs

2. Kyrie Irving

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline last season, it was a move that many fans and media doubted. Irving had a negative perception off the floor from the last couple of seasons prior, and Dallas coughed up a first-round pick in the deal as well as two elite role players in Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Irving quickly proved that he is worth way more than the trade package that Dallas gave up for him, and Luka Doncic's chemistry is off the charts right now. This season for Dallas, Irving averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from downtown.

Irving was excellent this season for Dallas, and his ability to close out games in the fourth quarter was unbelievable. He flips a switch in the clutch every single game, and no one can stop him when he's in his zone.

Defensively, Irving has also been solid when fully engaged and isn't the liability on that end that some people make him out to be.

Irving gets an A+ on the season for his perfect fit next to Doncic, his clutch ability, and his leadership on and off the floor. The Mavs will need Irving at his best in the playoffs, and he could help take the Mavs all the way to the NBA Finals.