'Proud' Kyrie Irving makes feelings clear on NFL-bound Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Cam Ward

Kyrie Irving struggled in his return against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday following a five-game absence due to a back injury. Uncle Drew finished the game with 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting, including 0-for-3 from deep. The Dallas Mavericks lost 118-99, their second straight defeat at the hands of Nikola Jokic and Co. at home.

Irving talked to reporters post-game and the topic digressed to Shedeur Sanders, who starred for the Colorado Buffaloes in college football. The eight-time NBA All-Star was also asked to comment on the quarterback’s popularity.

“I don’t necessarily agree with all the things that come with fame, but he’s [Sanders] dealt with the attention very well," Irving said. "He is very humble but when he is on that field he is a killer. Lot of guys in my generation look at him as the next guy, along with Travis Hunter and Cam Ward and those guys that come to the draft.

“The way that they handled some of the older generation and their criticism, I’m really proud of them.”

Kyrie Irving added that Sanders has remained even-keeled under the spotlight because of the quarterback’s father, NFL legend and Buffs coach, Deion Sanders. The pro football Hall of Famer has never hesitated to put his son in the headlines but the youngster has thrived under intense scrutiny.

Shedeur is expected to land in the top 5 in the 2025 NFL Draft along with teammate and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Miami quarterback Cam Ward could end up beating Sanders and Hunter for the No. 1 pick in the draft.

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Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks finish January with a tough schedule

After consecutive losses to the Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks will travel to New Orleans for a match-up against the New Orleans Pelicans. Wednesday’s game is the second night of a back-to-back set, so it remains to be seen if Kyrie Irving will play against the Pelicans.

The Mavs still don’t have Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a left calf strain. If Irving continues to miss games, the team faces a tough task of improving its 22-18 record. Dallas might not finish January above .500.

After the Pelicans game, they host the rampaging OKC Thunder on Friday before traveling to Charlotte to face the Hornets three nights later. Ant-Man and the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Mavericks on January 22 before a rematch with the Thunder in another back-to-back set.

Following the encounter with Oklahoma, Kyrie Irving could travel to Boston for the Mavericks’ highly-anticipated rematch with the Boston Celtics. Games against the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and the surging Detroit Pistons will cap off the Mavs’ January schedule.