Kyrie Irving has been one of the trailblazers in the NBA for some time now. He is one of the best point guards in the league but has always been subject to criticism for his inability to play with two other superstars. However, despite all his antics and criticisms, Irving has been a vital cog in Steve Nash’s Nets side.

In the absence of their talisman Kevin Durant, Irving has stepped up and taken over the reins producing some terrific performances for the Brooklyn Nets. The former Cleveland Cavaliers man has adjusted to James Harden’s game where he is more off the ball allowing Harden to make the most of it with the possession.

On the court, Irving is having one of the best seasons in the NBA but still he has been subject to a lot of criticism for missing seven games due to personal reasons. Therefore Nets’ legend Jason Kidd’s son TJ Kidd has called out all the doubters of Irving and also expressed his feelings about the season the 28-year-old is currently having.

According to NBA insider Scoop B Robinson, TJ said, “Kyrie deserves WAY more respect than he gets from basketball fans man… dude is a certified HOOPER. He’s gotta be in the MVP convo this year.. Watching him play this year has been a lot of fun”

He also came up with a tongue in cheek comment when he questioned the hypocrisy in the media. He said, “What’s been even funnier is the same guys who were saying he should retire after he took some time away. Heads are spinning and it’s funny to see that these guys are all about him now that he’s playing well. What a world.”

While Harden may have received all the plaudits and have also been in the MVP conversations, Irving has also proven that he is not far behind. He is averaging 27.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Irving is also almost having a 50-40-90 season which is absolutely exceptional. Given his performances for the Nets and how he has adjusted to a new role, the 28-year-old has been ignored and overlooked from MVP conversations. Irving has been as important as Harden for helping the Nets climb to the second spot in the Eastern Conference and therefore he deserves to be an MVP contender this season.