3 Things Kyrie Irving needs to do to get back into the top 15 NBA players

2. Win games

This is the first in a string of two obvious answers, but if Kyrie Irving wants to be recognized as one of the 15 best players in the league by almost everyone, he needs to help the Dallas Mavericks win games.

Two years ago, Jalen Brunson helped the Mavericks make a miracle run to the Western Conference finals in 2022. In turn, he was rewarded with a New York Knicks contract and has since blossomed into an All-Star-caliber player.

Unfortunately, the Mavericks took a step back last year, missing the postseason entirety. That’s where Irving comes in. That’s why the Mavericks traded for him.

Luka Doncic has yet to have a co-star with whom he’s consistently won at the highest level with. If there were ever a player to help him do it (of those he’s played with), it would be Irving.

Irving could put up 40 points per game and shoot 80% from the field, but if the Mavericks fail to make the playoffs for the second straight year, no one will appreciate his greatness.

On the other hand, if the Mavericks are able to make a massive resurgence and get themselves back into the playoff picture, and Irving is a big reason why, he should skyrocket up player rankings.