It seems Kyrie Irving is up to his usual antics with the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving has been a headache for every team he has played within his career. He has not had the effectiveness he once had in Cleveland. Last year Irving sat out with season-ending surgery. This season Iriving is back and healthy and playing for one of the most favored teams in the Eastern Conference to win the championship this year. What did that change for Irving? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Irving reportedly told some of his teammates over a text that he could not play tonight because of personal issues. He also failed to mention it to his new head coach Steve Nash. This is a movie we’ve seen before from Kyrie and it might not have a happy ending.
In the past, I have seen Irving disrupt the chemistry of a loaded Boston Celtics team. A team that had a better record when he was not playing with them. He has continually been vocal about social justice issues, which I have a lot of respect and admiration for his philanthropy. Sadly, Kyrie’s mouth seems to get him into trouble. Earlier this season he even suggested that the team did not need a head coach and that it would be a “collaborative effort”. Kyrie missing a regular-season game with cryptic reasoning and failing to notify his head coach is a big problem.
What are some solutions to the Nets problem. One would be to discipline Irving for the lack of clarity on the issue. This seems unlikely considering the front office had no objection to Irving missing games. Another option would be to let him do what he wants. This will likely be what the Nets end up doing considering Irving will make an attempt and reprimanding his actions will end in drama. The team could also consider benching him as a warning to not continue the lack of communication.
My solution to disgruntled teams like the Nets would be to discipline Irving and fine him. Even if his reason for missing games is legitimate, he is getting paid over 100 million dollars, he owes it to the team to communicate what he is doing. His actions will have an effect on the franchise, he needs to take that into consideration. We have seen superstars like James Harden do whatever they want, and after a while, teams get tired of it.
Should Irving be punished? Is he worth the Headache? What should the Nets do? Comment below with your takes on the topic.
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