Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving are both dealing with injuries ahead of the playoffs. Pictured: Curry and Irving take a breather during the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on Feb. 18, 2018 in Los Angeles.
Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving are both dealing with injuries ahead of the playoffs. Pictured: Curry and Irving take a breather during the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on Feb. 18, 2018 in Los Angeles.

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has got a former NBA Finals MVP raving about his game.

Only three point guards are in the top 10 MVP candidates this season. Steph Curry, Ja Morant and Chris Paul earned their spot in rankings, but Irving did not make the cut.

However, for Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who also played point guard during his time, Irving is still the greatest player to ever play the position.

“Kyrie is just, he’s a wizard, man,” Billups said ahead of the Blazers’ game against the Nets Monday. “He’s must-see TV. I personally think, as somebody that played the position, I think Kyrie’s the most skilled player that’s ever played that position.”

“Just straight skill,” he continued. “Nothing else. Just straight skill, I think he’s the best that I’ve ever seen at the position, skill-wise. So obviously he gives you a ton when he’s playing.”

Billups added, “His shot-making is incredible. He’s a better passer than people give him credit for. He’s obviously a willing teammate. He’s not just all about Kyrie. He passes the ball. He’s a champion. He brings championship pedigree to the table. I think he hit maybe the biggest shot that I have ever seen in NBA Finals history.”

Nets head coach Steve Nash won back-to-back MVP awards as a point guard during his playing years in the league.

When asked for his thoughts on Billups’ remarks about Irving, Nash admitted that “it’s hard to argue” with his fellow coach’s opinion as the seven-time NBA All-Star is extremely versatile.

“It’s hard to argue,” Nash said of Billups hailing Irving the best point guard ever. “There are others in the conversation. Obviously, Steph [Curry] is incredibly skilled but just so deadly from long range in a variety of ways.”

“But as far as the ball-handling, the movement, getting to his spots and shooting at all 3 levels, around the rim, (Kyrie is) off the charts, getting to the midrange he’s off the charts, and he’s excellent from deep as well,” he continued.

Due to his COVID-19 protocol issues, Irving is only allowed to play for the Nets on the road. Recent reports said that there’s a glimmer hope that “Uncle Drew” could finally be permitted to play during home games, but Nash insisted that he has “not heard anything at all” thus far.

Nevertheless, Nash previously pointed out that his players are not feeling “no fun” at home even without Irving in the squad.

Stephen Curry Kyrie Irving Warriors Nets

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center on December 22, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images