Lakers Assistant Coach Phil Handy Calls Kyrie Irving ‘the Most Skilled Player to Ever Play’

There’s no denying the talent and skill of Kyrie Irving. He may be controversial, but the 2016 champion is a walking bucket with the kind of handle any hooper dreams of having.

It’s not just an opinion your favorite hooper or an NBA fan has. Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy had some major praise for the Brooklyn Nets star.

“I will go on record and say this,” Handy said. “He is probably the most skilled player to ever play. Offensively, probably the most skilled player to ever put on basketball shoes.”

“He’s the most skilled player to ever put on basketball shoes”

– Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy on Kyrie Irving 😳 pic.twitter.com/7kYivjBGjP

— 🤴🏿⁶ (@JP3Visualz) August 17, 2022

Irving is known as perhaps the best “iso” scorer of his generation. Irving’s has the kind of skill level and talent that your favorite hooper would want to have. The handle, the shot-making ability, and the swag come straight out of NBA 2k. Over his 11-year career, Irving has become a seven-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA selection, the 2012 Rookie of the Year, and a 2014 All-Star game MVP, and reached the pinnacle of playoff success after hitting a clutch stepback jumper over Stephen Curry to help the Cavaliers win their first title in 2016.

Irving has become a lightning rod for controversy since demanding a trade out of Cleveland. Fans have frequently given him a hard time for some of his takes about NBA media or joking about the Earth being flat. But there’s no denying his talent. Irving averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 41.9 percent from beyond the arc.

The 2022-23 season might end up being the most consequential of Irving’s career. The former No. 1 overall pick opted into the final season of his contract after his reps and Brooklyn couldn’t agree to an extension. The offseason debacle began after Irving decided to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19. The Nets were prepared to force Irving to sit for the season because of that decision.

The front office reversed course in December as the NBA dealt with a League-wide virus outbreak. Irving was only able to play road games until New York City lifted its vaccine mandate. The lack of a deal seemingly lead to close friend and teammate Kevin Durant requesting a trade. Irving reportedly wants to play in Brooklyn regardless of Durant’s presence on the team.

Some fans may not agree with Handy’s take, but Irving has arguably the best handles in the NBA and is an elite shooter from all areas on the floor. He would be a terrific addition for the Lakers if they were to work out a deal for him this offseason.