Game 39 Dirkie Thread: Kyrie Irving--by a mile.

[omahen]

I'd argue that a player provides the greatest value to his team when he complements the players around him.  This might or might not maximize his own abilities.

I'll go back to Westbrook as an example.  His attitude and style of play has always been: "This is who I am.  This is how I play. Y'all adapt!"

I remember when he and KD were on the same team.  When the game was on the line, he'd often insist on taking that last shot himself, even though KD was ridiculously more efficient.

What would his career have been like if he'd been willing to defer a bit more?  Try to maximize his teammates rather than insisting on being the alpha?

I've appreciated Kyrie's game lately.  He clearly could choose to dominate every possession, demand the ball - yet he willingly shares and seeks to get teammates good looks.

Could Josh Green look for his shot more?  Sure.  Could any player?  Also, yes.

Would it be helpful to the team?  That's the bigger question.

But we can see on this very team, that it is helpful. Exum... THJ chucking every shot and has value...