As first impressions go, Kyrie Irving has already made his with the Mavericks.
Now it’s time to do so with the MFFLs.
The new superstar in town will make his home debut Monday night at American Airlines Center as Irving and the Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“The loud cheers really mean a lot to me and the support,” Irving said. “So I’m excited to bring my game to Dallas and excite those fans.
“I don’t think they’ve seen anything like me before. So I’m excited.”
That’s true. We knew and loved Dirk Nowitzki’s game. Jason Kidd honed his skill here and then returned to help win a championship. Luka Dončić is the face of the franchise now and for the future.
But Irving is different.
He brings a credibility and a skill set of the highest level that the Mavericks have not had, perhaps ever.
And he’s already left a terrific imprint. No better way to do that than winning your first two games on the road and then teaming with his new superstar teammate, Dončić.
The home fans will be waiting to be amazed by these new Mavericks, although, when you get right down to it, it’s just another game, right?
Except it’s not.
“A lot of cheers, a lot of love,” Irving said. “Just grateful my family can be a part of it and be welcomed by the Dallas area and be welcomed by the organization and my teammates. That’s what I’m most looking forward to.
“It’ll be a special night, just for myself personally and the journey I’ve taken from the summertime, working on my game, not knowing that I’d be working toward a season with the Brooklyn Nets and that midseason, I’d be working toward a successful season with the Dallas Mavericks.”
The Mavericks will be coming back home for the briefest of times – about 48 hours and one game before going to Denver on Wednesday for the final game before the All-Star break. This after spending the last 10 days hopping around the Western half of the country.
It turned out to be a strong road trip. After it started with a very un-strong loss at Golden State, the Mavericks won at Utah, the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento before an overtime loss in the rematch against the Kings late Saturday.
Even in that game, they showed tantalizing moments when Irving and Dončić worked well together, particularly when they were in their own personal pick-and-roll situations.
The two-man game has unlimited potential for these two.
“Up close, it’s different, just his size and ability to read the defense,” Irving said of his first game alongside Luka. “Let’s just get this party started. Really simple. Just be yourself. It’s well understood. Just communicate. We’re always going to rely on our IQ and skill set.”
If Dončić and Irving aren’t the No. 1 backcourt in the NBA, they’re certainly in the conversation. It will take time, for sure. But coach Jason Kidd hit on a key point why this thing could be dynamic in a hurry.
“Kai’s a grown-up. He’s not 23,” Kidd said. “He’s been through this before with the best player in the world (LeBron James).”
And it’s not always about putting the ball in the basket for Irving.
“Setting screens for teammates,” Kidd said. “Standing there with all the attention on him getting someone else a layup where he hasn’t moved. Those are things that will go under the radar, but are huge because we’ve never had that.”
Irving has had home openers in front of new fans a few times – as a rookie in Cleveland, at Boston and Brooklyn.
He’s eager for fans to get to know him and for him to get to know his new teammates better.
“It’s always a figuring-out process when you’re playing with new guys,” the 6-2 guard said. “Obviously, every circumstance is different. But I think the biggest asset I have is to be fluid out there and adapt to any situation they throw me in. It’s nothing new, but it’s just a figuring process that takes time. That’s what makes this fun.
“I’m just an addition to what this team had going on. This team was already in a great position. I’m just adding on value and seeing where I can galvanize the group and lead the best I can.”
And it is going to be a fun ride for everybody.
“Yeah. I got a good seat,” Kidd said. “I think we’re all excited. I think it’s a good time for Mavs basketball.”
Twitter: @ESefko
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