Respect in the NBA among players is always earned, and superstar players recognize superstar players when they see them.

Without a doubt, Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled and talented players in the NBA. With his ability to score, pass, ball handling and more, Irving has established himself with the Dallas Mavericks as a superstar player.

Irving’s talents haven’t gone without notice. Recently, Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell sat down on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast, and spoke highly of Irving.

Donovan Mitchell says Kyrie Irving is hardest player to guard

When asked what NBA player has the deepest bag, and who is the hardest player to guard, Mitchell said it’s Irving.

“I don’t even think there’s, like, structure to what he’s doing,” Mitchell said. “It’s just, like, he sometimes look like he don’t know what he’s about to do. He just flow with it. He’s just different.”

Irving has always been known for his sick ball handling and crossover abilities, and NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson said Irving has the best ball handles “ever.” With Mitchell recognizing Irving’s greatness in today’s NBA, that is a major complement.

Some aren’t fond of Irving’s game though. On a FS1 segment of First Things First, Chris Broussard said Irving wasn’t in the same class as Stephen Curry and Isiah Thomas when it comes to being one of the most skilled players ever. Irving responded to Broussard by averaging over 25 points per game and shooting 41 percent from three in his first full season in Dallas.

Irving has been able to hit a clutch shot when it matters, but better than he’s ever done in his career, is be a mentor. Luka Doncic has had the best version of Irving with his leadership and being a mentor to him, and the duo are destined for bigger things in Dallas.

Mitchell’s comments can add more motivation for Irving and the Mavericks for the upcoming 2024-25 season as the latest NBA power rankings had the Mavericks third in the West behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. With being ignored in the West, Irving can be more motivated to get the Mavs back to the NBA Finals.

Irving has Mitchell’s respect, and it’s a good thing for Irving. Mitchell sees more greatness for Irving is upon him, and he is destined to have another stellar season in Dallas with Doncic, and now Klay Thompson too.

“Y’all don’t understand, like, he just, you know, he’s different,” Mitchell said. “You know, like, I got a lot of respect for Kai.”