The Dallas Mavericks made a big deal at the trade deadline by acquiring Kyrie Irving in hopes of a deep playoff run.
But things haven’t been going well since Kyrie came to Texas.
The Mavs are 8-12 since acquiring the eight-time All-Star, and when he’s on the floor, they’re 6-8. The Mavs were 29-26 before the trade.
When Irving shares the floor with fellow superstar Luka Doncic, the Mavs are 3-7.
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Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks walks down the court during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
After Dallas lost its third straight game on Friday, Irving heard boos from his own home crowd.
It’s not the first time Irving has been booed in his 12-year career, but he’s rarely been booed by home fans. The Brooklyn Nets faithful booed him shortly after he requested a trade.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, right, dribbles as Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the first half of a game on February 8, 2023 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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«Obviously you want to play well, but only five people on the court can play for the Dallas Mavericks,» he said after the game. «If the fans want to trade venues, then be my guests. I have years of work ahead of me to be good enough to be at this level.»
Irving has been with his new team for about six weeks, citing recent difficulties adjusting to new teammates.
«And we’re still feeling each other in a way of getting used to each other’s efforts, attitudes and temperaments,» Irving said. «And that’s a real thing. That’s a human thing. It’s a human element. Whether people believe it in basketball or not, there’s a fine line between winning basketball games and everybody being on the same page and losing basketball games and things get chipped and Fingers pointing.»
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 8, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Irving will become a free agent at the end of the season. The lack of a contract extension with the Nets was one of the reasons he asked to be traded.
Dallas is 36-38 and tied for 10th place in the Western Conference, putting the Mavs on the verge of a play-in tournament or missing the playoffs.