In 2019, the Brooklyn Nets signed Kyrie Irving, one of the most talented NBA players, to a maximum contract. The Nets only considered the six-time All-Star player’s raw talent while signing him up for the four-year contract, and his unpredictable behavior is now reportedly causing worry.
Kyrie Irving started his professional career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, from which he had demanded a sudden trade to the Boston Celtics. Before leaving the Celtics to join the Brooklyn Nets, Irving had a feud with his younger teammates. The Celtics blamed him for ruining the season for the team. Although Irving had admitted he failed his Boston teammates, he seems to be repeating the pattern as a part of the Brooklyn Nets.
On January 12, Kyrie Irving missed his fourth consecutive game after taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. When Steve Nash, the Nets head coach, was asked if Irving would play again this season, he said, “Sure.” Also, Nash hasn’t announced a timetable for Irving’s return.
Recently, a video surfaced online, showing Kyrie Irving attending an indoor birthday party without a mask. The NBA is looking into this matter of Irving flouting COVID-19 guidelines. Given the uncertain future of the NBA season due to multiple COVID-19 outbreaks, partying maskless didn’t reflect well on Irving’s part.
Although the circumstances around Kyrie Irving’s absence are unknown, one of his former coaches said the player is upset about the events that took place at the Capitol earlier this month. While it’s perfectly alright for the player to take some time off to take care of his mental health, his attendance at a party without a mask, as well as lack of communication, aren’t. The Brooklyn Nets invested $144 million in Kyrie Irving, and they deserve to be updated about their superstar.