Kyrie Irving identified a previous teammate from Brooklyn as his top pick for all-time teammate choices.
Kyrie Irving Hails Kevin Durant as His All-Time Favorite Team-Mate
Kyrie Irving, the enigmatic point guard, has named Kevin Durant as his all-time favourite team-mate, praising their unique connection and unparalleled chemistry on the court during their time together with the Brooklyn Nets.
In a tweet, accompanied by a picture of the two players, Irving hailed their partnership as "overdose" and unmatched. He highlighted the pure joy, trust, and unspoken understanding they shared, values he holds above championship wins or playing with other superstars like LeBron James or Luka Doncic.
The duo, often referred to as the "7/11 duo," formed a highly talented pair during their time with the Nets. Despite the team's high expectations and eventual challenges, Irving has spoken fondly of their relationship and the special vibe they had. He recalled how easy their play was and praised the locker room chemistry.
Despite some reported behind-the-scenes tensions in the media about their time in Brooklyn, Irving has clarified that there is no ongoing personal beef between him and Durant. Their relationship is complex but based on mutual respect. Irving even referred to Durant as a former "best friend" and acknowledged the change in dynamics, but overall portrays their time together positively, focusing on the basketball connection rather than any drama.
The Nets team with Irving and Durant eventually collapsed, leading to Durant's trade to the Phoenix Suns and Irving's subsequent move to the Dallas Mavericks in 2023. Despite the breakup of that team, Irving continues to revere Durant as the greatest team-mate he ever had.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Irving appreciates the legends still playing, including Durant, who is entering his 18th professional season and will be playing for the Houston Rockets. Durant's 30,571 points rank 8th all-time in NBA history, and he is second in the most active field goals, only behind LeBron James.
Irving's admiration for his time with Durant is evident as he considers his partnership with Durant to be his most exceptional team-mate experience. Despite playing with a number of great players, Irving values his time with Durant above all, a testament to the special bond they shared on and off the court.
In the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, Kevin Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, will be entering his 18th professional season. Despite playing for different teams, Kyrie Irving continues to hold Durant in high regard, viewing their partnership with the Brooklyn Nets as the most exceptional team-mate experience of his career. Their chemistry during the playoffs, particularly their time together in the NBA, is unmatched in his eyes, even compared to his time with superstars like LeBron James or Luka Doncic.
