"I'm going for every piece of hardware that I could possibly get out of the NBA" - Brooklyn Nets' superstar is focused on winning it all after difficult summer
After a very difficult summer, Kyrie Irving is focused on winning it all with the Brooklyn Nets this season. Irving is looking to help the Nets move on from an offseason wherein he pursued a sign-and-trade deal, and Kevin Durant demanded a trade.
In an interview with Shams Charania for the Stadium, Irving opened up about his expectations for his 12th season. He set the bar high by adding individual accolades, but winning a championship is the priority:
"I wouldn't be sitting here being who I am if I didn't say I'm going for every piece of hardware that I could possibly get out of the NBA. I think my sons would love to look at it, my daughter would love to look at it. I would like to look at it and reflect on it.
"There's a few defensive awards and offensive awards that are left on the table. Being one of the Top 5 or Top 10 or 15 in the league, those are always great. But I want to be the last team standing."
Part 2 of Kyrie Irving on @Stadium: "I’m going for every piece of hardware that I could possibly get out of the NBA." On the Nets post-KD trade request, his team bonding event, admitting "I don't think it was my time to ask for a trade" with Cavs, Uncle Drew, meaning of A11Even. https://t.co/TI4IKfOBEs
Kyrie Irving has bagged a handful of awards and accomplishments during his career. Irving is a former Rookie of the Year and a seven-time All-Star. He's also won an All-Star MVP and a 3-point shootout contest. He was selected to the All-NBA Third Team twice and the All-NBA Second Team once.
However, Irving's biggest accolade to date is being a champion. He helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the championship in 2016. He also hit a game-winning 3-pointer over Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 on the road.
Kyrie Irving thinks the Brooklyn Nets got better after KD trade request
There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the Brooklyn Nets heading into the season. Kevin Durant's trade request essentially took over their summer, while Kyrie Irving tried to find a sign-and-trade deal.
Coach Steve Nash is in the hot seat and Ben Simmons will finally play after missing the entirety of last season. But despite everything that happened in the offseason, Irving is optimistic about their chances. He even thinks that the Nets got better after KD's botched trade demand.
"When Kev made that request, I feel like we got better," Irving said. "Afterwards, not initially, but now where we are now, I feel like we can honestly say we got better, with the principles that are needed for success.
"Without going through some test in the summertime or during the season, we wouldn't be able to be as close and bonded as we are now."
Can the Brooklyn Nets win it all this season?
The Brooklyn Nets remain one of the most talented teams in the league despite all the offseason drama. Kevin Durant is still one of the best players in the league, while Kyrie Irving could be in line for his best season since joining Brooklyn.
Ben Simmons is a huge X-factor due to his playmaking and defense. Nic Claxton, Royce O'Neale, Seth Curry, Patty Mills and Joe Harris are great role players. If the Nets could put it all together and stay healthy, they could go all the way and win the championship.