Attitude
As I stated early, Kyrie Irving has gotten a reputation for being moody and somewhat a bit off-putting. I think this is more a product of his environment rather than the true nature of the player himself.
From the moment he entered the league, he’s had to play places he didn’t really choose to play. He was drafted by the dysfunctional Cleveland Cavaliers. He had to play through the circus and pressure that comes with playing with LeBron James.
He was traded to Boston, a place that struggles to get and keep free agents. There he played with some personalities that may have thought they were bigger than what they were. He’s played under some coaches he didn’t exactly care for.
Just a bunch of situations that were out of his control.
A lot of that isn’t the case here. He chose the Brooklyn Nets as a destination. No one forced him to come here. He was determined to play here. It was one of his lifelong dreams to play for a team he’d always root for as a youth growing up in the Tri-State Area.
Not only that, but he came with friends. He’s gained a relationship with multiple Brooklyn Nets players. A few of his good friends joined him here. So between finally feeling home, fulfilling his dream and playing with the people closest to him, Kyrie should just be generally happier.
Joe Harris, Kyrie’s old teammate in Cleveland, had thoughts on reuniting with the all-star.
Joe Harris on Kyrie Irving off the court while teammates in Cleveland: "I had a lot of good times with him. He’s a lot of fun to be around whether it’s hanging out, playing video games, grabbing a drink, whatever it might be."
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 8, 2019
I expect more of this than the media portrayed melancholy Kyrie Irving.
Motivation
My last point will be brief. Kyrie Irving isn’t dumb and he isn’t deaf. He seems the criticism. He sees his name being slandered. I’m sure in general as far as a day-to-day, these remarks fall on deaf ears.
But when it comes to Kyrie Irving on the basketball court, I’m sure he is already using it as ammunition. Kyrie Irving must already be motivated about bringing the first NBA championship to the Nets organization, but he is probably highly motivated to prove all the doubters wrong.
I believe he can change the perspective that has been drawn out about him. He can silence the critics and banish haters worldwide into hiding. I can’t wait to see this.