Kevin Durant Talks Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets | Knuckleheads Podcast | The Players’ Tribune

“He really is an all-around just true basketball player, pure basketball player.”
Kyrie Irving is back on the court with the Brooklyn Nets. Listen to what Kevin Durant had to say about his teammate with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles on Knuckleheads.
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NBA veterans Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles are lifelong friends and bona fide truth-tellers. Listen as they invite special guests, high-profile athletes, musicians and entertainers to get brutally honest about everything from current events to untold stories from the golden era of sports and culture. Named for the on-court celebration they made wildly popular, this unfiltered, hilarious and surprising podcast is like playing NBA 2K with no fouls.
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[@callumw6031]

I think everyone will only truly appreciate Kyrie was he's retired and no longer in the league. One of the most skilled players that has ever been on the court his game is art

[@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449]

I think majority of people can agree that Kyrie is one of greatest point guards ever. Most people would only hold him second to Steph

[@flyoffline8808]

@@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449 Factual. And most people will hold Steph second to Magic, so with that being said he’s easily top 3 in the average NBA fans head. Top 2 in the most of Gen Z

[@shipitplease99999]

Fly Offline are u fking serious he’s top 2 pg? When the fk he ever carry his own team? Honestly I would put westbrook in front of him as a solo carry. He’s not better than cp3, Lowry, lillard, and so many others. Until he carry a team by himself, he’s not worth mentioning. The only thing he is is toxicity to team chemistry.

[@flyoffline8808]

@@shipitplease99999 …

[@flyoffline8808]

@@shipitplease99999 Look head to head at kyrie versus any point guard in the league.

[@cloudunderweather9554]

Kyrie and kobe are 2 players that made me think, this guy can do ANYTHING. They have their specialties, but every time they give us a glimpse into other facets of their game it hits me; This guy could do XYZ if he focused on it for a day. Truly talented guys.

[@healthfadsfade]

KD is a true student of the game. His humble admiration of kyrie is inspiring as talented as Durant is in his own right.

[@abcdtabibosaure6943]

Everybody knows Kyrie is unique. Unfortunately medias don't like him, and a lot of people follow them. He's the only one I can spend money for, like jerseys and sneakers.

[@raphaelzenazel3821]

Kyrie is the kind of player you want to show to your friends not into basketball, the talent and the creativity is so obvious.

[@shipitplease99999]

How tf is he unique? He couldn’t do shit without lebron?

[@nokexdiceem1734]

@@shipitplease99999 he has the best handles in the league lmao

[@joshlaguardia6568]

@@shipitplease99999 he’s one of the most skilled offensive players ever. had a 50/40/90 season, has been playing the best basketball of his career all without bron…stop dickriding that man

[@shipitplease99999]

@@nokexdiceem1734 yea what has he done without bron tho. Made every team he’s on worst. No cap

[@brandoncalero6072]

He’s already one of the greats. You don’t need to have basketball accolades to be considered a great player. Most accolades are team accolades. Regardless of if he retires going forward, he has been in the playoffs multiple times and shown that he can dominate at the highest level, often times eclipsing the best point guards in the NBA. He is considered to have the best ball handling abilities ever, maybe one of the most skilled ever, and played a HUGE vital role in winning a championship with Cleveland against the warriors

[@michael.realkey3825]

..and still got left off the top 75 team

[@0-2-1]

As far as over all skill and talent there isnt a single human being thats better than Kevin Durant at the game of basketball. Yes including MJ and Wilt.

[@socialistbatman1211]

Kyrie is probably the only player that can constantly outperform people considered better than him and not be considered better for some reason

[@claycox1829]

@@socialistbatman1211 I concur, everything is political it seems

[@YER3721]

@@claycox1829 Who does he consistently outplay? He outplayed Steph once

[@mygunzgoblamotf7747]

It's crazy to see where Kyrie is at today I'm definitely beyond proud of him. I first seen him when I was at a Sixers camp 15 yrs ago (I'm now 31). We played on the NBA group (15-16 yr) and he was on Jr NBA group (14 yr olds) I didn't know who he was but I'm sitting on the side watching whoever this kid was DESTROY the opposing team it was child's play. His game was so mature and crafty literally the same way he plays in the league now and I'm thinking to myself damn that kid is destined for the NBA foreal. I kept telling ppl about this kid that was unlike any player I've ever seen before. Followed him since then seen he was a top super 60 come to find out, then through the rest of high school yrs he was on St. Patrick's Prep as a top point guard in country...eventually announcing he was going to Duke (which is my favorite college team). Now in the NBA with all he achieved I always say it's crazy to have witnessed his journey from seeing him that day.

[@wizardozz5129]

Crazy!

[@cwashington3376]

Kyrie is the definition of a pg. The guy ball handling is unmatched, it’s like he see the play before he even does it. 💯

[@mr.caveman2571]

Tbh I think Chris Paul the definition of a pg. Kyrie low key a 2 but he just gotta play theone

[@sunnysani6995]

He is more of an sg trapped in pg body. He dribbles too much and rarely make plays for his teamates. Cp3 is more of a a definition of pg to me compare to kyrie.

[@TYballer389]

He’s more of a shoot guards then pg

[@fatinahmed5406]

Hes playing sg

[@ODSKhari]

@@sunnysani6995 i agree with your cp3 statement but you trippin thinking ky dont make plays for his teammates 😂

[@ErnestoGotti]

“ When you see somebody dunking that dont even dunk like that , they on some shit “😂😂

[@tmm19145]

Kyrie Is the greatest scorer I've ever seen

[@markteague49]

KD, Jordan, Kobe? Did they just get erased from history?

[@kemonte145]

maybe for his height lol but we got kobe , kd, jordan , t mac above him

[@dashwave2610]

With your own two eyes or on t.v.?

[@markteague49]

@@kemonte145 agreed. They made scoring effortless

[@robsmith6650]

Facts

[@nvyden]

watching Kyrie play is poetry in motion. really pay attention to this dude man. he’s like a painting being painted live on court. it’s insane how crafty he is, yet it’s so artistic all at once because it’s the art of sport, movement, etc... watching kyrie play is like watching handwriting become personified, hearing a crazy riff from an electric guitar, watching an artist paint and smoothly brush across the canvas … it’s all connected. this dude is just crafty in his own way. it’s an art watching this dude play. I also just had a crazy shroom trip. maybe none of the shit I said makes sense or maybe all of it does LOL

[@19DAY94]

It’s Curry & Kyrie… not another PG in the league even close to how elite these guys are

[@nnamzy01]

Cp3

[@ek1743]

Ja

[@j.e.t.lifetothenextlife200]

Top 5 PG of this generation (Curry,Ky,Dame,CP3,Harden) Ja and Luka is most def in that new class of top PG tho

[@thrillwill5]

@@nnamzy01 Chris in his prime yeah but not rn no. Even tho he’s still great

[@thrillwill5]

@@ek1743 Ja is nowhere near their level yet

[@RobWill5864]

Super dope hearing this. I started working on being equally skilled with my left hand this year and it made me think why some pro players don’t spend more time working on being equally efficient with both hands. Inspirational.

[@jayanderson7508]

Imagine never really using your other hand and then suddenly trying to work on it at the highest level. It's possible but it would feel awkward and possibly slow down development of other areas.

[@Kpichardo1013]

Kyrie Irving is the most skilled player of all time

[@efeezy7770]

The dude does shit I’ve never seen in the nba it’s crazy I’ve been saying he’s the most complete offensive player in the game I’ve been saying this since that 3-1 comeback against the Warriors the things he was doing to that defense that was the best in the nba with the best on ball defender in the nba on him all over him at that and Klay couldn’t deal with him playing great defense dude is just special love him as a player

[@hristijandimitrovski8664]

One of the most skilled *

[@erlsweatpants9628]

Ppl forget how serious kyrie and harden playing together were. Mfs owned the west last yr

[@kadeemmarajeen1879]

Hy last year they swept that west coast trip last by a margin of +15 points, it was crazy

[@joshlaguardia6568]

giannis really ruined that team man, he had to slide under kyrie and injure him…if kyrie is healthy i think they go to the finals

[@bellanova5491]

It’s so nice to hear good things about this man. KI💓💓💓

[@adrianspence7126]

Been saying this after Kyrie had 35 vs OKC in 2013, He had post game coming in the league as a PG alot of scorers had too work left hand right hand floaters left hand right hand layups great midrange and freethrow shooter and tray ball is good all scoring aspects hes 2nd too none st88 goated

[@sejiroagosa]

Kyrie Is The Most Skilled Player I Have Ever Seen…Period!

[@freshprinz9829]

Curry fanboys would argue with you

[@itsxavier6173]

Facts. KD most gifted. Kyrie most talented.

[@eyeamdee6209]

Kobe is the most skilled I’ve seen, Kyrie a close second fasho fasho

[@AJ-is5ut]

@@itsxavier6173 what's the difference between gifted and talented? I mean besides you trying to sound clever ?

[@itsxavier6173]

@@AJ-is5ut KD is more physically gifted. My bad you’re just stupid asf.

[@AbimelecLuciano]

Kyrie is the most skilled player of all time

[@jpandlexiwilliams1838]

KD?

[@JStar-wd1ne]

Facts!

[@danielmartinez-zx4xc]

@@jpandlexiwilliams1838 he’s more skilled. Kyrie skill set with kd build would be the best player of all time by far

[@IDoThisNoCAP]

I think ppl think skilled player and skills at scoring mixed up

[@itsxavier6173]

@@jpandlexiwilliams1838 KD is the most gifted.

[@JDub3799]

Him kd and harden are some of the most skilled to ever do it

[@georgeac2995]

Plays off instinct so well bc of how prepared he is with every time to react to the defender

[@isaacprice6213]

That’s the amazing thing!! I relate him to floyd mayweather as far as just pure skill and the fact most of his action is actually REaction

[@michaelottariano1909]

@@isaacprice6213 I like that

[@thadude2862]

I was mad as hell at Kylie for leaving the cavs but then he stood up to the nba and the man about not putting that poison in his veins and he won.. AND TOTALLY REDEEMED HIMSELF😂😂😂

[@markteague49]

If kyrie never wins another chip or individual award (mvp, fmvp) he will still be one of the greats but still a career that didn’t even crack his potential

[@McFly7414]

Injuries man smh

[@markteague49]

@@McFly7414 injuries for sure! I think his mental over the years just deteriorated too. Always was a GREAT second option tho

[@travisj8110]

To me skill wise I already think Kyrie is one of the top 10 scorers ever. Even now in a league full of amazing scoring guards like Steph, Harden, Dame, Luka, Trae,etc none of them move like Kyrie it’s just different.

[@markteague49]

@@travisj8110 playing devils advocate…why hasn’t he ever been in the top 5 leading scorers in the league, no scoring titles, etc. the eye test with the skill set suggests he is top 10 all time in scoring ability. I’m just not sure (Kobe, Jordan, KD, etc) i don’t think he is that same type of scorer despite his effectiveness in the paint, midrange and 3

[@thabangmatsepe863]

@@markteague49 he's numbers are more efficiency based than how how much he scores... the way he scores it's nearly impossible to average what he averages especially at 6'2

[@kilianhaye2929]

Kd top 3 all time at least!! 🔥 True inspiration this dude

[@melorileytv3408]

Glad kyrie back kd love ‘em man hopefully kyrie stays healthy for full play series cause if so kd and kyrie is gonna cook everybody I like harden but I think kyrie is better in playoffs and in finals I know kyrie will easily average 28ppg he is that much of a killer he was legendary in the finals and people seem to have forgot but he gonna show y’all 🤣

[@KFordmusic]

Durant might respect the game more than anyone else in the league. Look at the teams he has chosen since he left okc

[@justsomedudewithnoneck8329]

Yes two overpowered teams even lebron didn’t create this many superteams

[@Phenom0100]

I would love to be one of the sports reporters that ask dumb questions! Me: "Hey, are you the Kevin of today or tomorrow from the one that was in the past?"

[@kadeemmarajeen1879]

Again kyrie is the most skilled player of all time

[@lordofbathurst]

I'm Kevin Durant... y'all know who I am.

[@rawonaim4693]

Kyrie makes basketball into art in the court

[@ejacfilms]

Everything you guys are saying is so true, it’s sad the game is so controlled, the players can’t even enjoy themselves as much. Kyrie is an awesome guy, but portrayed as a villain

[@joshlaguardia6568]

it’s really only bc he’s “different” and what he does isn’t “normal” because people think everyone has to be the same and believe the same things, so when a guy goes against what’s normal, he portrayed and viewed differently

[@Braydog101]

Anyone notice that wince after what we need from one another 4:48? Interesting

[@josebless5152]

Brooklynnnnnnn🗽💫🖤

[@netaverse7694]

Durant’s a dope friend

[@kevinarmani8222]

Kyrie is definitely my top 10 nba players of all time and second greatest point guard after CP3. People don’t give him his flowers but I will.

[@NbaXmixtapes]

Dude kyrie better than cp3

[@kevinarmani8222]

@@NbaXmixtapes he’s better scorer. CP3 is the greatest point guard to ever play the game

[@xSTEVExOx1]

@@kevinarmani8222 you must be 14 year old girl.

[@andrerandall7873]

@@xSTEVExOx1 10 year old girl

[@kevinarmani8222]

@@xSTEVExOx1 you must be a wounded puppy 😂

[@jimbobsportsworld9815]

All positive words from KD

[@spurs_7798]

Just look at his numbers last year. Dude is able to make a damn good case as the best player in this league.

[@Luka77Legend]

Best In the league no . top 5 maybe

[@bburner2831]

@@Luka77Legend Best in the league maybe. top 5 yes

[@spurs_7798]

@@Luka77Legend dude dropped 27/6/5 on 50/40/90 shooting. Show me a player that did this with this volume. Hell, I'll help you. Steph in 15-16, KD in 12-13, Dirk in '06 and Larry Bird in the 80s. Thats it. People do not understand how fucking amazing Kyrie played just last season.. and he's healthy.. and according to KD, he's still getting better.

[@Howdidhenotseeme]

Kyrie is not top 10 let alone top 5, lay off the drugs.

[@Luka77Legend]

@@spurs_7798 LeBron better Giannis Better Curry better KD better Jokic Better etc he nowhere near best player lol gtfoh

[@Name-bd3xx]

Kyrie Irving is the most offensively gifted Point Gaurd to ever play the game. Not even debatable.

[@Synaization]

These boys are blitzzzed, lol, noice!

[@Bnguyen276]

Finally kyrie is playing, lmao. I thought the guy was going to pull an Antonio brown in the 3rd quarter.

[@AbdulDean448]

Kyrie saved Lebron’s legacy

[@laquontaylor8171]

Kyrie the best Point God Ever !

[@JaeThaGemini]

Kyrie will be full time again, soon. cant keep a real one down 💪🏾💯 return of Houdini Irving in motion!

[@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449]

Not if he doesn’t get the jab sadly. Covid isn’t going anywhere and I doubt NY will change the mandate

[@jamespisano1164]

Cool

[@alkebulanlion6198]

Quiton looks like a Midwest version of Memphis bleek.

[@jessygot21]

Top 5

[@pal9897]

im worried for the nets. Its a little weird to have one of your players only at away games. I feel like it would fuck up the chemistry. I hope im wrong.

[@realslimemvp3309]

Ky so skilled

[@justinhumphrey9017]

Their are magnets in the ball

[@vincearaniador8972]

best handler in nba

[@joachimjroualace]

Ball handling and layup package…. Kyrie is the N1 in the NBA history ….. it’s not even close

[@arahamball1059]

I can't wait to learn from kd an ky to take me under there wing to a study the great player to learn from the best scoring skills players in the league to be student of the game

[@Elcappgguod064]

Kd needs a all star team to win

[@kuhfusskatsadventures]

Damn nobody took that bait 💀 tough day at the office

[@Elcappgguod064]

@@kuhfusskatsadventures did you see the score bucks vs nets lol oh and the y lost 5 straight at home

[@kuhfusskatsadventures]

@@Elcappgguod064 That’s crazy bro

[@Jalenguy4]

remember kd and kyrie had the bucks 2-0 in the playoffs before he got hurt

[@emanueluceta4732]

Would’ve been a sweep had injuries were to never happen to the Nets that year 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@wym348]

KD almost beat them by himself.

[@callmefatz3607]

Is this the 3rd time KD been on here or I’m buggin ?🥴🤔

[@pericopinero1035]

KD is an official unofficial member of The Knuckleheads pod at this point lol

[@ricomccard4972]

Kyrie is a top 10 point guard 😤😤

[@darius_productions03]

Top 3

[@jasonau427]

All time. Facts.

[@billiondollarbaby973]

Kyrie is the best High School player I have ever seen in person and I have seen Wagner. I have played against many NBA players. As far as high school, he was the best. Also, in high school, he would get at least one dunk and one alley every game.

[@therealdonaldtrump1646]

How did Dame make the top 75 over Irving???

[@LightNdaDark]

Bias

[@illicitphantom]

chris paul's mind in Kyrie's body... untouchable

[@smoothsavage2870]

If Giannis didn't injure Kyrie, the Nets would've definitely been this year's defending champs.

[@rajeevraghavan6198]

You're phrasing it like Giannis did it on purpose. Stop that.

[@pericopinero1035]

@@rajeevraghavan6198 how did Kyrie get hurt? Stepping on Giannis’ foot, right? Therefore, Giannis did injure Kyrie. OP never said anything about it being done intentionally. Cut it out with that fake outrage bs, snowflake.

[@rajeevraghavan6198]

@@pericopinero1035 My problem was with the phrasing. It's so much easier to leave the name "Giannis" out of it while conveying the exact same message and level of truth. Putting his name there has no purpose. Simply saying "If Kyrie didn't get injured" is also factually correct while not inserting Giannis's name for no reason.

[@pericopinero1035]

@@rajeevraghavan6198 it’s also so much easier to not respond to a comment you dislike, but that didn’t stop you from replying to it. Like ffs man, how fragile do you have to be to complain about “phrasing”? Grow a pair

[@rajeevraghavan6198]

​@@pericopinero1035 Because people read that kind of thing and get the narrative that Giannis is a bad guy, when that's far from the truth. "gRoW a pAiR" this has nothing to do with you and you keep responding.

[@robsmith6650]

Kyrie is the best guard right now. His bag is too deep. He’s a 6’3 Kobe but more skilled.

[@PygmaApril]

Big cap, top 4 sure.

[@robsmith6650]

@@PygmaApril no he’s the best

[@jasonau427]

I’m a huge Kyrie fan but Steph is the best pg. Kyrie is more technically skilled (arguably more skilled than anybody all time) but Steph’s production is better.

[@robsmith6650]

@@jasonau427 makes no sense. Watch the game yourself. Stop listening to these analyst. Kyrie hands down is the best guard right now

[@ricomccard4972]

@@jasonau427 A lot of curry bandwagons. Let's not forget that curry won his two rings with KD as well.

[@AI-gl6uc]

Anyone notice B rated teams that are under dogs in games that are up 12 points at the half in the NBA then A rated teams end up coming back and win by 6. That can't have anything to do with online legal gambling sites that have in play wagering. Where amateur betters think they just might have a good chance in winning if they lay an in play wager to win a moneyline or point spreads. But then the A rated team comes back and wins by 6, haha good old NBA :) Micro Economics

[@mainevent9018]

Yurp

[@toddg6373]

First

[@Controversypodcast]

If kyrie had the accolades he would be the best point guard ever that is literally all he’s missing most skilled player ever

[@cullenavent6585]

What!?!? Curry and Cp3?!? Even if he’s better than cp3, he’s definitely not better than prime/all time Curry… and I’m not even a Curry or Warriors super fan. I’m a Mavericks fan. Kyrie is a great player but come on now bruh

[@Apexssb]

@@cullenavent6585 kyrie outplayed steph in the finals head to head when it mattered most. Kyrie is better and proved it.

[@cullenavent6585]

@@Apexssb I agree. Kyrie did outplay steph in that finals, but when you look at there careers as of now (and likely when they retire), steph is the better player

[@Apexssb]

@@cullenavent6585 steph isn't better just because he played with Durant lmao. If Durant never joined the warriors curry doesn't win those rings

[@cullenavent6585]

@@Apexssb accolades aside, Curry is a better shooter (the greatest of all time), a better leader, a debatably better passer, and an equal defender. So without accolades, they are basically equal players. Curry being the best shooter, Kyrie having the best handles But bring accolades and intangibles in the equation and Curry is by far better

[@randomperson2540]

The reason why players such as James Harden and Kevin Durant are clearly burning Kyrie Irving is not because of his offenses of talents as a score but everything else, if we were strictly comparing them as scores it is undeniable that they’re in the same tier. The difference is that KD is a better rebounder and defender, or hardern better playmaking and rebounding, which even then it’s something Kyrie can easily work on. He already in his prime but far from his peek

[@nc23jordan16]

Come say hi you won't regret it ;)

[@stairway-steeltalkironresp7595]

Brother Kyrie Irving returned last night, on his terms. This is what standing your ground, and walking upright, with a backbone looks like. He chose moral ova money. Hopefully other Blackmen are taking note.

[@kingblicky635]

Kyrie is an all time great if he never dribbles another ball.

[@ejacfilms]

They trying to politic them boys out of a championship

[@duffman1876]

If ya need more help just say so!😂🍻🍺

[@awalovettepeter8099]

😅😅😅😅

[@melorileytv3408]

He is on the team for a reason

[@WhaleFuego]

I know Kevin Durant makes man money but I'm willing to cut his hair for free 😭 still my favorite player PG County stand tf up 💯

[@Trendlines_mc]

It's definitely Nets in 4 in this Bitch...

[@mauricesegar3626]

Killa Ky!

[@rickfox5750]

damn dmiles why you had to defraud the league

[@edwinhunnet2666]

Why does kd looks like he has poor hygiene

[@21Alansi]

Yeah he's a savant alright. Amazing at basketball, poor decision making outside of the court.

[@giowrld3boss308]

🤦🏻‍♂️ bro kyrie is a drama queen

[@uchify]

Here we go...!!!

[@balljelly5244]

Ig u loves talking about drama queen 🤣🤣😂😅

[@LightNdaDark]

Is kyrie a drama queen? Or is the media dramatic af and picked him to villanize?🤔

[@oscarxie8599]

nah the media just makes him look that way like how they made him look like the villain at Boston