Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving publicly defended teammate D’Angelo Russell after Bill Simmons made a pointed joke about the veteran guard on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
“He’s your buddy that comes to visit, and it’s really great when he is only there for one day, and by day six, you’re like, ah, I’m ready for him to leave,” Simmons said, referring to Russell’s arrival in Dallas this summer as the Mavericks’ new secondary playmaker.
Irving, who has long been protective of his teammates and close peers around the league, fired back on X.
“Oh Bill, you would never say this to Dlo in person and we both know it,” Irving wrote, adding a GIF of Omar Little from The Wire saying, “It’s all in the game, though, right?”
The post quickly went viral among Mavericks fans, many of whom praised Irving for standing up for his new backcourt partner.
D’Angelo Russell Focused on Leadership and Adaptability
Russell joined Dallas on a two-year, $11.7 million deal this offseason, bringing shooting, experience, and playmaking to a roster now centered around Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and P.J. Washington. Entering training camp, he made it clear that his focus was on adaptability and leadership — not outside noise.
“I’m just trying to impact winning,” Russell said. “Finding where I fit and making it count.”
After averaging 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 58 games last season, Russell said he’s embracing the challenge of blending into a new system under Jason Kidd, who has emphasized chemistry and unselfish play.
“I’m kind of just picking up where I left off, jelling with the new guys that we have, so I can get used to this new offense and system,” Russell said. “Whatever they need me to do — whether it’s spacing, making reads, or getting guys organized — that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Kidd has praised Russell’s early impact during camp, noting his ability to adapt to multiple roles. “He can play on the ball, off the ball, and he understands how to read the game,” Kidd said. “Having another smart guard out there gives us a lot of flexibility.”
Kyrie Irving’s Leadership Extends Beyond the Court
Irving, who continues to recover from a knee injury, has used his time on the sideline to take on a mentorship role. His decision to publicly defend Russell fits into a broader pattern — a commitment to establishing a stronger locker room identity built on accountability and trust.
“Everybody’s learning how to play together, and that takes time,” Irving said earlier in camp. “But the goal is to keep supporting one another — that’s how great teams are built.”
That message has resonated with the group. While Irving’s response to Simmons drew headlines, it also symbolized the Mavericks’ renewed emphasis on unity. In a season that will feature heavy scrutiny after a major roster overhaul, the early signs of camaraderie are promising.
Early Chemistry Forming in Camp
Russell’s transition has gone smoothly thanks to communication with Dallas’ new-look frontcourt. The Mavericks have emphasized structure on both ends — pairing Russell’s playmaking with Davis’ presence inside and Flagg’s defensive energy on the perimeter.
“Having guys like AD and Lively who talk constantly makes my job easier,” Russell said during camp. “They know where to be, they help cover for us, and that gives the guards confidence to stay aggressive.”
Kidd said that the combination of size and intelligence across the roster has created a new dynamic for Dallas. “This is a different team than I’ve had in the past,” Kidd said. “We’re big, we can play fast, and everyone’s touching the ball. That’s the type of identity we want.”
Russell’s role as a connector between veterans and younger players has stood out in scrimmages. His comfort running the pick-and-roll with both Davis and Dereck Lively II has helped the Mavericks’ offense develop early rhythm.
Dallas Mavericks Embracing a Unified Identity
For Irving, stepping up to defend Russell wasn’t just about responding to a single comment — it reflected the standard he’s been helping to set. In a locker room filled with both established stars and young talent, respect and accountability have become the foundation for what the Mavericks hope will be a bounce-back season.
As Dallas prepares for the 2025–26 campaign, the chemistry between Irving and Russell could prove critical. Once Irving returns to full health, the two guards are expected to share playmaking duties in an offense built on spacing, decision-making, and versatility.
If early signs from training camp are any indication, the Mavericks’ backcourt is already building a connection that extends far beyond the court — one built on trust, support, and a shared commitment to silencing outside noise.
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