Damian Lillard Names Kyrie Irving Among Three Best Point Guards He’s Faced

The Trail Blazers star suggested the Mavericks guard has “the most beautiful game” of all time.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving may have lost some of his luster over the past few years due to controversies on and off the court. To Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, however, he remains one of the most potent basketball talents of his generation.

Lillard ladled praise upon Irving on Tuesday's episode of It Is What It Is, a YouTube show hosted by rappers Cam'ron and Ma$e as well as journalist Treasure Wilson.

“What’s the best three [point guards] you played against?” Cam’ron asked Lillard on the show.

“[Stephen Curry], Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook," Lillard replied, naming three of his most accomplished guard contemporaries.

Damian Lillard on Kyrie:

“Kyrie [Irving] really different…He got the most beautiful game in NBA history” 🗣

(🎥 @ITISWATITISTALK) pic.twitter.com/YnS74FaTf7

— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) September 19, 2023

Lillard pointed in part to the aesthetics of Irving's game as the reason for his admiration of the 2016 NBA champion.

“Kyrie really different,” Lillard said. “He’s got the most beautiful game in NBA history.”

Irving is entering his 13th season in the league and boasts eight All-Star and three All-NBA appearances. However, due to factors including injuries, his lack of COVID-19 vaccination, and a suspension after a highly public flirtation with antisemitism, he has not played more than 60 games in a season since 2019 with the Celtics.