If you were to ask a professional basketball player who they would like to play alongside, most would give the obvious answers of LeBron James, Steph Curry, or Kevin Durant. However, Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler has a different opinion.
On ESPN’s First Take, Butler was asked that very question. The former first round selection (30th by the Chicago Bulls) gave a surprising answer. Here’s Butler’s quote on First Take, as transcribed by Robby Kalland of Dime Magazine.
One guy? I’d probably have to go with my favorite player that’s not myself, and that’s Kyrie,” Butler said of Irving. “I love Kyrie’s game, and he’s a really good dude.”
Honestly, it’s probably a forgone conclusion that a lot of players, both past and present, would want to play with “Uncle Drew”, as Irving is affectionately known. Although he’s considered a scoring point guard, Irving’s passing ability is often overlooked. Handles, quickness, accuracy at range; the list of Irving’s abilities goes on and on.
Through his 49 games played for the defending champs this season, Irving is averaging 24.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 35.2 minutes per game.
All things considered, Butler choosing Irving makes sense. Hypothetically speaking, the two guards would complement each other quite well on the court. Irving’s ball-handling and accuracy at range, combined with Butler’s scrappy defensive mentality and playmaking abilities, would indeed be a formidable duo.