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Brooklyn Nets: Grading the addition of All-NBA point guard Kyrie Irving

By Quintin James

Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets got a commitment from 6-time NBA All-Star and former NBA champion Kyrie Irving, a move that has the organization and fan base eager for the season.

Coming into free agency, the Brooklyn Nets were looking for star players to add to their roster. For weeks, the Nets were linked to point guard Kyrie Irving as they looked to pair him with Kevin Durant.

After a 42-win season and a trip to the playoffs, the Nets had a decision to make as their All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell was set to be a restricted free agent.

As free agency grew near and the idea of pairing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving became a real possibly, it was clear Irving would be replacing Russell has the lead guard.

On the first day of free agency, Irving and the Nets agreed to a 4 year, 141 million dollar max contract, fulfilling the dream of the New Jersey native to play for the team he grew up watching.

With Irving joining the Nets, many fans were skeptical about signing him. His chemistry issues with the Boston Celtics last year were a topic of discussion and some questioned if he would do the same to the Nets.

One thing you can’t deny is how talented Irving is and what he brings to the floor.

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Irving is one of the best offensive guards in the league. Through all the adversity last season, he had season averages of 24 points a game, seven assists and five rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3.

His presence in Brooklyn goes far beyond basketball as his brand will bring a lot more attention to Brooklyn. His popularity will bring more fans to an arena that was last in attendance a year ago.

Irving is one of the Nets’ biggest free agency additions to date and his talent should give Nets fans hope for the future.

With Irving joining a backcourt with the likes of Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert, the Nets have plenty of ways to use Kyrie in the flow of the offense. While Irving flourishes with the ball in his hands, he is also effective off the ball. Last season he shot 47 percent as a spot-up shooter.

This ability to play point or the off guard position is something the Nets will utilize a lot this upcoming season.

With Irving being a threat off the ball, it allows Dinwiddie and LeVert to handle the ball and create more opportunities for the Nets while making life harder for opposing defenses.

Irving is a pure scorer who can take you off the dribble and pull up from the outside. His efficient shooting, improved play making and ability to deliver in the clutch is something the Nets will rely on after the departure of D’Angelo Russell.

While this postseason wasn’t so ideal for Irving, he is a proven playoff performer and has championship experience. With a lot of young guards on the Nets, it will be a great opportunity for them to compete against him in practice and get better.

Lastly, this is a fresh start for Kyrie Irving. In his two years in Boston, he got hurt at the end of his first season and struggled with the challenges of being a leader in his second year. Teaming up with his buddy Kevin Durant and being close to home might be what Irving needed.

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The culture that Brooklyn has built the past three years is one that is very player-friendly. Irving has the chance to prove his doubters wrong and Brooklyn might be the best place to do it.

Grade: A-