Honorable Mention: Kyrie Irving
2017-2018 per game stats: 24.4 PTS, 3.8 REB, 5.1 AST
There are a few reasons why Kyrie Irving falls just outside of the top five on this list, and none of them are because he’s not a phenomenal player.
Rather, Irving is an honorable mention in part because of the slim chance he actually leaves Boston, and also because of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Late last week, Irving made a verbal agreement to re-sign with the Boston Celtics once his contract expires following this season. There is one more year on his contract following this season, however, it seems Irving will forego his player option and instead agree a long-term deal to remain with the Celtics.
Earlier this summer, rumors were abound that linked Irving’s name to Jimmy Butler, with many believing the two would team up in 2019 and make a title run on the same team. Those rumors fell apart when Butler was rumored to be dealt to the Miami Heat, a team that would have serious troubles signing Irving and Butler simultaneously. Once Irving announced his verbal commitment, the rumors crashed and burned.
The Clippers also appear happy with what little they’ve seen of their rookie point guard so far, which only lessens the need for Irving’s services. Per the LA Times’ Andrew Greif, coach Doc Rivers stated Saturday that Gilgeous-Alexander is “teaching us that he’s a lot smarter than we knew”, among other things.
A few months ago, Irving probably would’ve topped this list. But with everything that’s happened since then, it seems less and less likely that he would accept any offer to play with the LA Clippers anytime soon.