Former NBA guard JR Smith labeled Kyrie Irving “the most gifted offensive player I’ve played with” during a recent appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast hosted by Carmelo Anthony.
The two former teammates discussed Irving’s offensive mastery in a conversation that quickly drew attention across the basketball world.
“It’s weird having you ask me this question,” Smith told Anthony, via HoopsHype. “I think he’s the most gifted offensive player I’ve played with.”
Smith, who played with both Irving and LeBron James during his Cleveland tenure, clarified that his praise referred strictly to basketball ability.
He highlighted Irving’s ability to manipulate defenders and dominate from all three levels, citing his size, footwork, and ability to post up bigger players as part of a unique offensive package.
“What he brings to the game—his style of play, his size, his stature,” Smith said. “What he’s able to do with the basketball—the way he gets to his spots, the way he posts up bigs—that’s a skill set.”
Anthony asked Smith to elaborate on Irving’s skill refinement and dedication to detail.
Smith emphasized the structured nature of Irving’s training regimen, describing him as obsessive about mastering specific offensive elements.
“We’ve been in environments together,” Smith said. “His attention to detail—he’s relentless about mastering a spot.”
Smith continued, “He’ll say, ‘This is all I’m working on today. Don’t come work out with me unless you want to do this for three hours.’”
Irving, who has completed his third season with the Mavericks, averaged 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three.
Over his 14-year NBA career, he has posted a 23.7-point scoring average on 47.4 percent shooting, with a career-high 27.4 points per game in multiple seasons.
A nine-time All-Star and 2016 NBA champion, Irving has consistently ranked among the league’s most efficient and creative offensive guards.
Smith and Irving were teammates on the Cavaliers during their 2016 championship run, where Irving’s Game 7 performance, including the go-ahead three-pointer, became one of the defining moments of the Finals.
