Paige Bueckers’ admiration for Kyrie Irving has never been a secret. But the Dallas Wings star recently opened up about the deeper bond she shares with the Mavericks star, built on mentorship and mutual respect. The 23-year-old called Irving her “favorite basketball player ever,” revealing how their friendship started most unexpectedly.
What Did Paige Bueckers Reveal About Her Connection With Mavs Star Kyrie Irving?
The strong connection between Bueckers and Irving became a visible storyline again this week on Monday, Oct. 6, when both attended the Dallas Mavericks’ preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
While most of the spotlight focused on rookie Cooper Flagg’s debut performance, Bueckers and Irving were seen courtside sharing a conversation during a timeout, a brief but telling moment highlighting their ongoing friendship.
During the fourth-quarter interview in the Mavs-OKC game, Bueckers spoke warmly about her relationship with the NBA veteran, giving fans a glimpse into Irving’s thoughtful side, which doesn’t always make headlines.
“It was just through social media,” Bueckers shared with a smile. “He kinda reached out and just offered the support and just offered sort of like a mentorship position for me. He’s my favorite basketball player ever. He’s just an amazing genuine human being.”
The Wings star didn’t stop there, adding, “He really cares about the next generation and women’s basketball. He’s always been supportive, and it means so much coming from someone like him.”
The exchange reflects a side of Irving not often seen publicly, grounded in quiet mentorship and consistent support for women’s basketball. For Bueckers, the relationship represents a bridge between the NBA and WNBA built on mutual respect and shared values.
Irving has been a steady presence in Bueckers’ professional journey. Earlier this year, when she was drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, he publicly congratulated her, saying he was “excited for her journey ahead.” He’s also attended Wings games in person, showing visible support for Bueckers and Dallas’s growing women’s basketball scene.
The mentorship appears to have a real impact. Bueckers delivered one of the strongest rookie campaigns in recent WNBA history — averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Her production earned her the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, placing her among the league’s most promising young players.
Despite the Wings finishing near the bottom of the standings, Bueckers’ debut season stood out as a significant success story. Her composure and efficiency on both ends of the floor hinted at a long-term franchise cornerstone.
Why Does Bueckers Value Irving’s Mentorship?
In an interview with People magazine, Bueckers elaborated on what drew her to Irving in the first place. “He’s been my player growing up, and I’d always looked up to him,” she said. “I feel like he’s misunderstood sometimes. And for me, for him to still be authentically himself and not care about other people’s opinions — that’s something I really admired growing up.”
Her comments reflect a deeper alignment, one that extends beyond basketball. Irving’s influence, especially in encouraging players to be authentic and outspoken, resonates strongly with Bueckers as she navigates the early stages of her professional career.
