Kyrie Irving is content to settle in Dallas after joining the Mavericks for his first full season.

Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is one of the NBA’s and professional sports’ most multifaceted superstars. 

‘Headliners with Rachel Nichols’ this week featured interviews with Irving and Luka Doncic about their respective paths and the Mavs’ team this season. Irving thought back to his 2011 draft selection and how he “could have used” the Mavericks’ atmosphere and culture. 

“I just think in my heart in 2011, me getting drafted as a young person,” said Irving, “needing a lot of mentorship, needing a lot of nurturing, I can look back and have 20/20 vision and think – I could have used this.”

Irving has expressed his desire to be drafted by Dallas on previous occasions, as he has not always felt a sense of belonging, openness, or self-expression in his professional experiences.

“In present day, I’m just grateful that I’m here,” remarked Irving. “I can recognize the prerequisites for achieving the greatest degree of achievement. My only concern is winning. I’ve only been concerned with it since joining the league.” 

The Mavericks have surrounded Irving and Doncic with team members who understand and can communicate with them, such as head coach Jason Kidd, assistant coach Jadley, general manager Nico Harrison, president of basketball operations Michael Finley, and, of course, Mark Cuban, the team’s alternate governor.

“I knew that if I gave myself a chance to be around people that knew more than me, that were smarter than me in certain instances that I can learn from, then I can be the best version of myself,” Irving stated. “Being here in Dallas affords that.”