Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash offered the opinion that his guard Kyrie Irving possesses more skills than Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson, though he praised the ability of the former Philadelphia 76ers star.
Steve Nash was asked if Allen Iverson was a fair player comparison for Kyrie Irving. Nash said Kyrie is more skilled and that Iverson was electrifying, a crazy competitor, and one of the all-time greats. Full quote below. pic.twitter.com/YR0TkRNKwg
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 5, 2021
Nash is in his first year as head coach of the Nets, though he did battle on the court with both Irving and Iverson over the course of his career.
The 28-year-old Irving is in his second season with the Nets, but is in his 10th season in the NBA. In 15 games this season, he’s averaging 28.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
During the span of Irving’s career, he’s managed to reach great heights, including connecting on the game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
That came during Irving’s three trips to the finals as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Iverson was only able to lead his 76ers team to one Eastern Conference title in 2001.
While Nash’s viewpoint will likely be disputed by 76ers fans, his close connection to the game offers some astute analysis about how Irving is perceived within the game.
Both Irving and Iverson have had their abilities questioned at some point in their respective careers, which didn’t affect Iverson, who was elected to the basketball Hall of Fame. If Irving is able to avoid more debilitating injuries, he figures to someday join Iverson among that select circle of players.
