Kyrie Irving continues to march to his own beat

Kyrie Irving continues to match to his own beat

Most people can only dream of the day when they have made enough money to say, screw everybody, then turnaround, and flip ‘em the bird while strutting off like Ric Flair. This is essentially what Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving did to the media on Friday, when instead of making himself available to speak to the media virtually, Irving chose to release a written statement in place of showing up to answer questions.

One main point made clear by Irving is that he did this to make sure his message was “conveyed properly.”

Here is Irving’s full statement:

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"“COVID-19 has impacted us all in many ways, so I pray for the safety and health of our communities domestically and abroad. I am truly excited for the season to start and I am also praying that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this journey.Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly.I am committed to show up to work everyday, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself.Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change.”"

Irving is right, life did “hit differently this year,” the same way life has hit differently for every other person in America this year. All those people still must get up and deal with their responsibilities regardless of how they may be feeling in 2020.

But should anyone, especially the media, be shocked at this given the source? Kyrie Irving is just a different type of cat. And this is in no way is meant to disparage him or any of his beliefs. Just look back at some of Irving’s interactions with the media and teammates over his career.

Irving’s “flat earth” comments still get a mention from time to time by different talking heads.

In 2017, Irving went on ESPN’s First Take, and openly “beefed” with Max Kellerman as he grilled Irving about why he forced his way out of Cleveland and about his relationship or lack thereof with LeBron James.

Irving once chuckled in annoyance at a reporter’s question about what type of parental role James played to him, and his teammates back in 2017, while still a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

Just a couple of months ago after the Nets hired Steve Nash as their new head coach, Irving went on a podcast with Kevin Durant and stated that they do not need a head coach. KD may coach one night, another night assistant coach Jacque Vaughn may run the show, then himself another night. While this is paraphrased, it is the basic message that was sent out by Irving during the podcast.

Irving comes off as the true definition of eccentric. In his case, though this can also come off as quite condescending at times, and we know how the media feels about athletes who condescend to them a little too much. Look no further than Barry Bonds’ MLB career and his relationship with the media.

By all accounts, Irving seems to be an intelligent young man, but sometimes a person can be too smart for their own good. As cliché as this is, it seems to fit Kyrie Irving like a glove.

Gathering Irving’s lack of respect for the media and the way he views life, one thing that seems clear is that Kyrie Irving probably will not be long for the NBA. Now age 28, and heading into his 10th season as a pro, it may not be far-fetched to see Irving play another two or three years into his early 30’s and then call it a career. He doesn’t come off as the guy who wants to do this into his late 30’s like former teammate Lebron James.

One thing is for sure, this 2020-21 season in Brooklyn should be quite the wild ride with Kyrie and KD. We also now know that they will open the season at home against KD’s former team the Golden State Warriors, with a returning Stephen Curry.

Something also tells me this is not the last written statement we’re going to receive from the desk of Kyrie Irving this season.