Kyrie on the start of a new NBA season: "We got to dance every night"
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are looking to hit the ground running this season. After entering last season as favorites to reach the NBA Finals, the Nets season took a dark turn. Numerous off-court issues resulted in a roller coaster of a year.
Irving found himself in and out of the lineup after refusing the COVID-19 vaccination. It resulted in locker room tension, and James Harden was eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers due to chemistry issues. Forward Kevin Durant also found himself missing time with a knee injury.
Fast forward to the offseason, and there was a point in which many expected both Durant and Irving to be on their way out of town.
But Irving and the Nets are hoping to put the past behind them. Brooklyn still possesses one of the most talented rosters in the Eastern Conference. Speaking recently to the media, Irving spoke about just how excited he is for the season:
"We got to dance every night – 82 games and perform well. So, I like to think of it as going on like a tour, and we get to be able to bond."
Kyrie on the start of a new NBA season: "We got to dance every night -- 82 games and perform well. So I like to think of it as going on like a tour and we get to be able to bond."
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets look to send a message in 2022-23
Although it was a nightmare previous season for Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, things could be different in 2022-23. Brooklyn still has one of the most dangerous rosters in the entire league.
It was reported this offseason that the Nets weren't interested in signing Irving to an extension. That resulted in the guard opting into his player option for this season.
That means that Irving should be motivated to prove his worth before entering free agency next summer. The one way in which Kyrie can entice opposing teams for his services is to win and produce at a high level. Despite the headaches throughout last season, Irving still is one of the league's most talented point guards.
Kyrie Irving was asked about what a championship would mean to the Nets franchise. His response:
“I’ll have an answer for you in about 6-to-9 months.”
With Kevin Durant back in the mix, Brooklyn should be a force in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are also expected to have Ben Simmons in a full-time capacity, proving just how deep this team can be. Both Irving and Durant should be motivated, especially after an offseason of finding themselves in the spotlight for various reasons.
Last season, Irving averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Due to the circumstances last year, Irving only played in 29 games. Still just 30 years old, Kyrie can regain his previous stride and prove to be one of the top players in the league. If that can happen, the Brooklyn Nets will be a force.