Clay: Irving is the hardest player I have ever encountered, he is on the same level as James Kobe KD

Mavericks player Klay Thompson recently talked about multiple topics in the show "Showtime with Cooper" by former player Michael Cooper, including his feelings about fighting side by side with Irving. Thompson bluntly stated that Irving was the "hardest player" he encountered in his career.

Thompson said: "It's really great to be teammates with him now, because we can talk about the past and try to write a new chapter together in the final stages of our career to contribute to our legend. We are the same rookie - in 2011 - I have a lot of respect for Kyrie. He is the most difficult player I have ever guarded, and can put him on the same level as LeBron, KD, and Kobe - he has no weaknesses."

Considering the countless superstars he has faced in his career, it is undoubtedly a bold choice to rate Irving as the "most difficult opponent".

Thompson joined the Mavericks in the 2024 offseason and bid farewell to the Golden State Warriors who had played for 13 years. He had hoped to be the third option behind Luka Doncic and Irving, helping the team take a key step towards the championship.

However, the plan was not implemented. The Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick. Not long after, Irving suffered another cruciate ligament tear, almost ending the Mavericks' 2024-25 season's playoff hopes.