“That stuff has ramifications every time you do something that's a little off the beat path, that's why everybody loves Steph” - NBA analyst says Kyrie Irving carries himself like a tennis player or a golfer, believes Steph Curry is the total opposite
Heading into the start of the NBA offseason, Kyrie Irving is one of the hottest topics in basketball. Following news that the All-Star guard and Brooklyn Nets are at an impasse, Irving may decide to test the open market. If he turns down his player option for next season, he will be an unrestricted free agent.
Per @ShamsCharania , Kyrie Irving and the Nets' contract conversations hit a hard stall, and both parties are uncertain on the star's future in Brooklyn.
Is it time for Ky to call LeGM over in LA? 👀 https://t.co/n8YIqSc0rL
After how the season unfolded, it's no surprise the Nets are in no rush to hand Kyrie Irving a sizeable contract. While he still performed at an All-Star level, Irving was limited to part-time status because of his unwillingness to get vaccinated. In 29 regular-season games, he averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
After word got around that Kyrie Irving is potentially leaving Brooklyn, The Ringer's Bill Simmons decided to weigh in on the matter. From his perspective, Irving has only ever cared about himself and not the teams he has played for.
"Sean Marks was basically saying we want to find people going forward who will put the team above themselves and that's the issue I think with kyrie is, he carries himself more like he's a tennis player or a golfer right like that is the way he behaves."
Even though he's a premier talent, Irving's personal actions have derailed the narrative around his career. Simmons feels that his self-centeredness is what separates him from someone like Steph Curry.
"That stuff has ramifications every time you do something that's a little off the beat path, that's why everybody loves Steph."
Can Kyrie Irving change the narrative surrounding him?
Over the course of his career, Kyrie Irving has made multiple decisions that add weight to Bill Simmons' assessment. The first was what happened at the end of his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After playing a key role in the franchise securing its first title, Kyrie Irving joined the Boston Celtics to get out of LeBron James' shadow.
11 years ago today,
The #Cavs selected Kyrie Irving with the number one pick out of Duke.
#ATCHistory X #LetEmKnow
https://t.co/tyHJmplnxz
Irving's tenure in Boston was short-lived, and there were constant rumors of him being an issue in the locker room. The All-Star guard then decided to sign with the Nets to play alongside close friend Kevin Durant.
Everywhere he's gone, Irving has managed to throw a spanner in the works. Despite the Nets wanting to make a run at the title, Irving opted to stick to being a part-time player.
It's not good to burn bridges in any profession, especially in sports. Given his nature of going against the grain, Irving may run out of people willing to take a chance on him.