Nets’ Kyrie Irving out to prove he can be a leader

Kyrie Irving might declare he’s not out to alter minds or erase stigmas, however he certain heard all of the doubts and questions on him final season. Now the Nets star is out to reply them — and show what sort of chief he might be.

“My focus just isn't [on narratives]. I can’t pour power into that. The fact is we’re right here, and for the final yr you guys requested my teammates a bunch of questions — about me, particularly and why I’m not right here,” Irving mentioned. “Now that I’m right here we get to see the constant effort I might’ve put forth final yr, and the yr earlier than that if everybody began off the season wholesome and we had a great begin.

“I perceive the place I’m in and I carry it with humble accountability of having the ability to lead by instance and never simply being an individual who comes up with a bunch of fancy phrases however truly acts on it. Simply figuring that out every day just isn't an ideal job or straightforward job. And it’s not meant to be a solo act; I received numerous assist out right here.”

LeBron James was the unquestioned chief in Cleveland, and Irving’s management in Boston proved unsuccessful.

Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving
USA TODAY Sports activities

Final season, his management on the Nets was compromised by his refusal to stick to New York Metropolis’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. It contributed to Irving shedding out on a max extension — in addition to being criticized in lots of circles.

“It was extraordinarily, extraordinarily unhappy to see how many individuals that I seemed as much as mentioned disparaging remarks about me or my household, or about the way in which I felt about my choice,” Irving mentioned on Stadium. “And it’s nonetheless occurring to at the present time. And it’s unlucky.”

Irving has an opportunity to indicate what sort of chief he might be this season. And although he insists he’s not attempting to reset the narrative, Nic Claxton and Steve Nash can see Irving is intent on ending that stigma.

“I don’t know if it’s for me to say nevertheless it’s type of inevitable in some respects,” Nash mentioned. “From his opening press convention the place he felt like there was a story round him, that means that he needs to alter that. However all I can decide is his effort and his angle, and each have been distinctive.”

Irving has known as main his childhood staff a dream job. Requested what lastly profitable an NBA title would do for the Nets, he replied “I’ll in all probability have a solution for you in six to 9 months.”


Day’Ron Sharpe seems set to play a much bigger rotational position after reshaping his physique this summer time.

“They all the time telling me completely different [BMI] formulation and stuff, so I actually don’t know the numbers,” Sharpe mentioned. “However I do know I look good.”


Seth Curry (left ankle), Joe Harris (left foot soreness) and TJ Warren (left foot) are all out. Curry is anticipated to go four-on-four Wednesday or Thursday.


Jaxson Hayes (elbow) is questionable for New Orleans, whereas Kira Lewis Jr., EJ Liddell are out.

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