Not LeBron James: Kyrie Irving Drops a Bombshell on His Greatest Teammate Ever
Kyrie Irving
's career has been defined by partnerships with some of basketball's biggest names. He shared the court with
LeBron James
, leading Cleveland to an unforgettable 2016 NBA title, and now runs the offense alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas.
But when asked to name the greatest teammate he's ever had, Irving surprised many by bypassing both of those superstars.
Kyrie's Pick:
Kevin Durant
During a recent Twitch live stream, Irving was asked to reflect on his most remarkable on-court partnership. Instead of choosing one of his championship or current teammates, he singled out
Kevin Durant
, his former Brooklyn Nets co-star.
'The 7/11 duo of me & KD will never be topped in terms of just being on the court with somebody that special.
I played with a lot of great players, but playing with KD was OD (overdose),' Irving said.
Why Durant Stands Out for Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
's time with
LeBron James
was historic, particularly the 2016 Finals Game 7, where his clutch three-pointer helped clinch Cleveland's first NBA championship. Yet, their partnership came with challenges, including contrasting leadership approaches and the weight of championship expectations.
Luka Doncic, Irving's current running mate, has dazzled fans with his skill and vision, but their time together is still in its early stages.
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In contrast, Irving says the chemistry with Durant felt unmatched, even though their run was shorter than expected.
The 7/11 Connection
Formed in Brooklyn, the '7/11' duo showcased a fluid, high-powered style of basketball that mesmerized fans. Injuries, off-court issues, and roster changes limited them to just 74 combined games in the regular season and playoffs. Still, Irving describes those moments as special—filled with freedom, creativity, and an unspoken understanding on the court.
Kyrie Irving's Star-Studded Teammate List
• LeBron James – Four-time MVP and one of the game's all-time greats.
• Luka Doncic – Rising superstar and perennial All-NBA talent.
• Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown – Core of Boston's championship pursuits.
• James Harden – Former MVP and elite offensive force.
Despite this elite company, Irving says Durant set the standard for what it feels like to truly click with a teammate.
Also read:
Why the Golden State Warriors are Interested in $60 Million Boston Celtics Big Man to Bolster Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga's Supporting Cast
For Kyrie Irving, greatness in a teammate isn't solely measured by trophies—it's about connection, trust, and the joy of playing the game at its purest.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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