Pacers’ TJ McConnell Names Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Toughest Player to Guard

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving has been widely recognized as the toughest player to guard in the NBA, a sentiment echoed by Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell on the Christian Kuntz Podcast. McConnell highlighted Irving's unmatched ball-handling skills, describing his control as 'impeccable' and calling him the best handler he has ever faced, emphasizing the mental challenge of guarding such a player. Irving, who was traded to Dallas in 2023, has reignited his passion and performance, helping lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals despite his ACL injury setback. Irving himself has confidently stated on Twitch that fans will never see another player like him, underscoring his unique talent and impact on the league. This recognition adds to Irving's storied career, which began as the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and has included consistent scoring and leadership. Meanwhile, other NBA players like Oklahoma City's Isaiah Hartenstein have named different stars such as Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic as their toughest defensive matchups, illustrating the diversity of challenges faced by NBA defenders.