Unlike what I have done in the past, there is no way I can defend Kyrie Irving on this one. His exclamation that the Brooklyn Nets have a "glaring" need for one or two more pieces, while at the same time mentioning himself and four teammates as the main players was out of line. But his omission of other teammates as keys to success was even more "glaring" that his perceived need for additions.
Irving seems to get irritated when things don't go right. Apparently, the Nets' 117-10-6 loss to the 76'ers did not sit well with him. Kyrie mentioned himself, Kevin Durant, Garrett Temple, Caris Lavert, DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie as team kingpins, but totally omitted Taureen Prince, Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen. Irving shot only 6-of-21 from the field last night for 14 points, while ending up with a team-worst plus/minus of -29. The neglected pair of Prince and Allen combined for 32 points on 12-of-17 from the field. Harris had a mediocre showing against Philly, but he has averaged 14.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 2.2 APG over the season, and his shooting has been right on at 46.5% on field goals and 40.9% on 3-pointers.
Irving's verbal "analysis" of Brooklyn's needs goes beyond mere frustration. The question has to be raised if he is truly coach-able. His comments on the status of his team may have been acceptable if made privately to the Nets front office, but not to the world at large. Kyrie Irving possesses extreme talent on the hardwood. But his verbal skills need a lot of work. I can't defend him on this one!
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
Kyrie Irving flatout saying this Nets team isn’t enough and they need more pieces
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 16, 2020
(Via @TimBontemps). pic.twitter.com/PVA6P6PRT4
Irving seems to get irritated when things don't go right. Apparently, the Nets' 117-10-6 loss to the 76'ers did not sit well with him. Kyrie mentioned himself, Kevin Durant, Garrett Temple, Caris Lavert, DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie as team kingpins, but totally omitted Taureen Prince, Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen. Irving shot only 6-of-21 from the field last night for 14 points, while ending up with a team-worst plus/minus of -29. The neglected pair of Prince and Allen combined for 32 points on 12-of-17 from the field. Harris had a mediocre showing against Philly, but he has averaged 14.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 2.2 APG over the season, and his shooting has been right on at 46.5% on field goals and 40.9% on 3-pointers.
Kyrie is making it difficult to defend him, and I don't mean on the court! My article will be up shortly.
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) January 16, 2020
Kyrie: It's glaring we're missing a big piece here https://t.co/awlGRMB58o
Irving's verbal "analysis" of Brooklyn's needs goes beyond mere frustration. The question has to be raised if he is truly coach-able. His comments on the status of his team may have been acceptable if made privately to the Nets front office, but not to the world at large. Kyrie Irving possesses extreme talent on the hardwood. But his verbal skills need a lot of work. I can't defend him on this one!
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
Comments
Post a Comment