Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook are two of the most influential guards of their generation.
Whereas the latter is a former league MVP, the former is an NBA champion who played an instrumental role in bringing a title home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Throughout their careers both Irving and Westbrook amassed their fair share of fans and haters. But despite it all, they always maintained a healthy respect for one another.
This week, Irving took to social media to send a very public message of appreciation to Westbrook.
Kyrie Irving showing some love to Russell Westbrook on
his IG story 🫶🔥 pic.twitter.com/5P3Kzqi8hG— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 3, 2023
Because of how big both Irving and Westbrook are in the hoops community, NBA fans immediately took to social media to react.
The responses poured in quickly.
Finally, some Russ love
— Preston (@Dripp_Gawd) August 3, 2023
Real recognize real
— Geoffrey A. Fields (@Gmoney__23) August 3, 2023
Two of the best pgs of our generation appreciate greatness
— Jared Drake (@JaredDr53697298) August 3, 2023
@KyrieIrving < THE REALIST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ( we have so many clowns on this app who talk down on Russ game 😂but the best players ever & players who play the game at the highest level have nothing but praise for him 🫶
— RUSSELL WESTBROOK (@Lahisotuff) August 3, 2023
A lot of people have very positive things to say about Westbrook. Austin Reaves’ recent comments about him were telling.
Irving, similarly, may be something of an acquired taste – but some of his former teammates absolutely love him and want to play with him again.
Zach Wilson partied with his girl last night ahead of tonight’s big Jets game. https://t.co/2tV2QWBLDy
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 3, 2023
The two men are legends – there are no ifs, ands or ors about it.
Will the 2023-24 season mark one where both Irving and Westbrook can return to be the league’s best guards? Time will tell.
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