Since the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving has become the team’s vocal leader. And although the superstar point guard will miss most of the season with an ACL injury, he’s still showing up for his teammates. This includes new signing D’Angelo Russell.
DLo signed a 2-year, $13 million deal with the Mavs in free agency this offseason. On a team that has exceptional size and frontcourt talent, Russell’s role as the ballhandler will be extremely important. But Bill Simmons doesn’t think Russell will do too well, and he recently made a wild analogy to explain his point of view.
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“He’s your buddy that comes to visit, and it’s really great when he is only there for one day, and by day six, you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave. That’s D-Lo,” Simmons said. That’s a harsh take by any metric, so it’s no surprise that Irving stepped up to defend his teammate.
“Oh Bill, you would never say this to DLo in person, and we both know it,” Irving wrote on X. Kyrie also shared a GIF from the legendary TV show, The Wire, alongside it. The implication is that this type of commentary is simply a part of the show and not something real or substantial.
Dallas Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell looks to move the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Irving and Simmons have some history of their own dating back to Kyrie’s stint with the Boston Celtics. However, it’s up to Russell to now prove his new teammate right and all the doubters wrong. If DLo can play at an All-Star level, the Mavs might just end up being in NBA championship contention by the time Irving is ready to return.
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