Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving claps back at ESPN after recent disrespect

Every year before the NBA season tips off, ESPN releases its inaugural top 100 player predictions for that coming season. It just so happened that ESPN released this season's rendition of the top 50 to 11 player rankings early on the morning of October 11, just thirteen days before the 2023-24 season begins.

Within this top 50 list, names like San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembenyama and former Dallas guard Jalen Brunson would appear.

However, a familiar face for Mavs fans would also be listed on this very list. Star point guard Kyrie Irving would find himself at the No. 34 spot, a ranking he didn't seem to approve of as he would go to Instagram to voice his opinion.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving claps back at ESPN after recent disrespect

These very comments would garner the attention of many fans. Many praised the guards' unquestionable talent while others took to bash Irving over his past disputes in recent seasons.

This wouldn't be the first time Irving would take to social media to voice his aspirations. Early in the offseason, Irving would make it known that he wanted to get back to the NBA Finals. He would also continue to make comments on his commitment to the Mavericks. He is never afraid to voice his opinion on social media, and he showed that this week.

With all the offseason chatter that Irving has chosen to partake in, it almost feels like he will have a lot to prove to fans and the league.

Irving was recently sidelined due to a groin injury which kept him out of the last two Mavericks preseason games.

He will likely miss the Mavs' last remaining preseason game on October 20 against the Detroit Pistons (if Dallas continues to be cautious with his injury), but we hopefully can expect Kyrie Irving to be healthy for the Mavericks season-opening affair against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25.

For more preseason action, stay tuned.