Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving remains a guiding presence for young players across the league, including those no longer on his team.
Texas Legends guard Jazian Gortman credited Irving's mentorship as a key influence in his development as he works on his game in the G League. He cited their ongoing connection even after Gortman's stint with the Mavericks.
Gortman, 22, earned a two-way contract with the Mavericks out of training camp and appeared in 16 games before being waived amid injuries in the frontcourt. Since rejoining the team's G League affiliate, Gortman has continued to take strides, averaging 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 21 regular-season appearances.
In a recent interview with RG, Gortman discussed Irving's willingness to mentor younger players and how that mentorship has shaped his perspective.
"I used to watch Kyrie a lot when I was younger," Gortman told RG. "So just to get older and end up running into him, having an experience like I had with playing for the Mavericks, and being able to contact him, hit him up, ask him different questions-like how he sees the game, how he reads the game-it's been incredible."
Gortman emphasized that Irving has gone out of his way to make himself available - something the young guard doesn't take for granted. As a nine-time NBA All-Star, Irving has no shortage of valuable wisdom he can share with Gortman.
"I give him a lot of credit for even extending a hand and actually wanting to help the youth," Gortman told RG. "Because it's not always like that with everybody, but he's actually really helpful. I've been able to connect with him and learn what he's seeing on the floor, and it's been helping me a lot."
Even now, Gortman continues to wear Irving's ANTA signature shoe and communicates with the veteran guard.
Beyond Irving's influence, Gortman discussed the value of staying connected to other younger players in the organization, including Brandon Williams and Jaden Hardy. He noted that those relationships help him continue learning as he works toward returning to the NBA.
"I still talk to Kyrie, too," Gortman told RG. "Just being cool with those guys and being able to have quality conversations where we can talk basketball-it's really valuable."
Guards Kyrie Irving and Dyson Daniels © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
As the Legends continue their season in Frisco, Gortman remains focused on his development. However, the lessons he learned from Irving-about preparation and consistency-continue to shape his approach.
"Just to always stay a pro and be consistent with your work," Gortman told RG. "Every game, every season, every year-it's not always going to be how you want it or perfect. But as long as you stay consistent with putting in the work and you know that the work you're putting in is going to eventually show, then you'll be in a good spot."
Gortman will look to continue applying Irving's wisdom to his game as he works his way to an NBA roster. He's shown plenty of positive flashes, but the path to an opportunity sometimes requires patience.
Related: Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Pursuing Bold National Team Switch for 2028 Olympics
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 8:25 AM.