Irving chooses Durant over James and Doncic as the best teammates of all time

According to US sports media F/W reporter Vishvesha Kumar. Irving has played alongside some of the most talented players in NBA history, but when asked about the best teammates he has ever met, his answer was quick and powerful: Durant. Irving gave a high praise to the Houston Rockets star on the live broadcast, saying: "I would say that, the 7-11 duo of KD and I will never be at the top of the court with such a special person, right? So let me put the disclaimer out. Well, let me get the disclaimer. I play with a lot of great players, but playing with KD, that's OD. Well, he's one of the best players of all time. Obviously, we all have our strengths and weaknesses."

This comment is not only eye-catching for the level of reverence Irving showed for Durant, but also because it missed the famous name. Irving spent three memorable seasons with James with the Cavaliers, a partnership that created the 2016 NBA championship and one of the greatest reversals in Finals history. LeBron and Carey spent time together with drama and high risk, and eventually topped off the Warriors in Game 7. Their chemistry, especially at critical moments, became the decisive image of the championship battle.

Irving is also playing with Doncic in Dallas, and the two entered the NBA Finals in 2024. While their partnership is relatively short-lived, it brings a blend of offensive creativity and important game moments that enliven the Mavericks fans. Luca's possession ability matches Kyri's off-ball scoring ability, although the pair ultimately failed to win the championship. Injuries, an unstable supporting cast and fierce competition hindered them. In contrast, Irving's time with Durant at the Nets was like a roller coaster ride, full of expectations and adversity, and ended up with poor results. The two should have been headlines of one of the most dangerous scoring franchises in league history, but off-court controversy, health issues and squad instability kept them from qualifying for the second round of the playoffs. Still, Irving’s comments show that the on-field magic they share makes a lasting impression that even a championship with LeBron or a Finals place with Luca can’t be surpassed.

From a purely basketball perspective, Irving's praise makes sense. Durant's combination of body, shooting feel and versatility in scoring is almost unparalleled in NBA history. Playing side by side with a player who can score anywhere, against any defender while constantly attracting double-teams may give Irving the freedom and efficiency that he and other stars do not have.

Even though their time together failed to produce the glory of the playoffs, their artistic and relaxed synergy on the court clearly resonated with him. For fans, this remark will inevitably spark debate about the definition of "best teammate", whether it is a championship, personal understanding, or pure talent? For Kyrie Irving, the answer seems to be the latter. While LeBron and Luca helped him achieve more team success, Durant's unique blend of technology and presence won the top spot in his mind. In typical Carey style, this choice could make the NBA circle lively in the coming weeks.