Photo: Dallas Mavericks/Twitter

Former NBA coach Byron Scott recently shared his revised perspective on Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic’s partnership in Dallas. Speaking with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson on Scoop B Radio, Scott acknowledged his initial doubts about their compatibility, citing concerns about their ball-dominant playing styles.

“I’ll be the first to admit that I was wrong because I didn’t see how he and Luka Doncic would be able to share that basketball,” Scott admitted. The duo, however, proved him wrong by leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, defying critics and showcasing seamless chemistry.

Scott praised Irving for his willingness to adapt and take a secondary role alongside Doncic. “You gotta give Kyrie a lot of credit. For a man to say, ‘Listen, I’ll be second fiddle. I’ll be Robin to your Batman,’ speaks volumes,” Scott noted, highlighting the sacrifice Irving made for the team’s success.

Scott, who coached Irving during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, also emphasized the magnitude of Irving’s decision. “With the ego that we have as basketball players, for him to do that for the betterment of the team—kudos to that man,” Scott added.

The relationship between Scott and Irving goes back to Cleveland, where Scott coached the Cavaliers from 2010 to 2013. During his tenure, Scott drafted Irving and helped shape him into a star player. Their shared history lends credibility to Scott’s admiration for Irving’s growth as both a player and teammate.

Now in his third season with the Mavericks, Irving is averaging 23.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 35.4 minutes per game. Doncic, who remains the focal point of the offense, is posting 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in 37 minutes per game.

The duo’s synergy has propelled the Mavericks to a strong start this season, sitting at fourth in the Western Conference with an 18-10 record. Their ability to complement each other on the court has silenced doubts about whether two ball-dominant stars could coexist.