Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of, if not the, greatest players ever. More than two decades after he retired, Jordan is still being compared to the players of today.
According to former NBA player Jeff Teague, Dallas Mavericks’ injured superstar Kyrie Irving would be greater than Jordan if he were taller.
“I feel like if Kyrie Irving was 6-foot-6, I know we say that about a lot of people, but if he was 6-foot-6, he would’ve been the best NBA player ever,” Teague said in The Club 520 podcast. “He would’ve been better than Michael Jordan.”
“Bro, what could he not do bro? Name me something he can’t do. He’s not scared of the moment. If he was 6’6? There’s no weakness in his game,” Teague added.
“It’s nothing he can’t do. Bro, what could he not do? What can he not do, bro? Name me something he can’t do. He’s not scared of the moment, if he was 6’6” it’s no weakness in his game.”
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Like Michael Jordan, Kyrie Irving Is A Gifted Player
GettyOAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks and Shaq’s OGs warms up during 2025 NBA All-Star Practice & Media Availability at Oakland Arena on February 15, 2025 in Oakland, California.(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Irving has long been regarded as one of the most gifted and creative basketball players in NBA history, highlighted by elite ball-handling, two-handed finishing, and legendary clutch shot-making.
Irving is equally lethal using either his right or left hand. Irving, when he is healthy, is completing complex layups, floaters, and acrobatic circus shots, even in crowded paint traffic, just like Jordan in his prime.
Irving has built a Hall of Fame-worthy NBA resume headlined by an NBA Championship in 2016, nine All-Star selections, and three All-NBA nods across his tenures with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks.
However, Irving missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a torn left ACL in March 2025. He underwent surgery and has fully recovered during the subsequent offseason, positioning him to return for the start of the 2026-27 season.
On the other hand, Jordan won six NBA championships, 6 Finals MVPs, and 5 regular season MVPs.
Teague added that comparing Irving to Jordan could be controversial, but he believes comparing him to Kobe Bryant would be an easy debate for the Mavericks star to win.
“He would’ve been better than Kobe if he was 6’6. There’s nothing he can’t do. He dribbles better than everybody. He shoots just as good as everybody. He finishes at the rim just as good as everybody,” said Teague.
Kyrie Irving Knows His Greatness
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving is aware of how good he is on the court.
While streaming, Irving told NBA fans what he thinks of his game while watching highlights of himself during his last playing season with the Mavericks.
“Y’all will never see another player like me….I’m cut from a different cloth,” he said.
The highlights showed Irving’s unmatched skills to get to his spots on the court, his vision, and his shot-making.
While his success as the main guy has not been impressive, Irving has left this generation in awe of his individual abilities.
Irving again has a chance to show he still has it next season, as he is now fully recovered from his injury and is expected to boost the Mavericks, which have built their roster around Cooper Flagg.
Aside from his star power, Irving is also expected to bring veteran presence to the Mavericks next season as they look to return to being a contender in the Western Conference.
Michael Jordan Gets Compared To Dallas Mavericks’ Injured Superstar