Brooklyn Nets: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2019-20

1. Kyrie Irving

When Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the widely accepted story was that he just wanted a situation where he’d be the No. 1 option and face of the franchise. Irving had to know he’d never have that in Cleveland as long as LeBron James was around.

After two seasons with the Celtics, Irving decided to go to Brooklyn with Durant — who will most likely overshadow him as the Nets’ No. 1 option and face of the franchise.

At least for this upcoming season, however, Irving will be the undisputed top guy. With that comes the pressure of living up to the hype in the media capitol of the world.

Irving had a down year in 2018-19, and his time in Boston was generally injury-plagued, but he’s still very much in his prime at 27 years old.

He averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season, shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from 3-point range. He was an All-Star and All-NBA Second Team selection.

In the playoffs Irving struggled, though. He averaged 21.3 points, shooting 38.5 percent from the field and 31.0 percent beyond the arc.

The Celtics’ postseason run ended with a five-game loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round, a year after the team had made it to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals without an injured Irving in the lineup.

Irving leaving Boston seemed like a forgone conclusion as far back as All-Star Weekend, bolstered by rumors that he’d become disillusioned with the team and the city.

The only question was whether he’d reunite with LeBron in L.A., or move closer to where he grew up by joining the Nets or the New York Knicks.

With a fresh start, Irving can rebuild his reputation as one of the NBA’s top young stars. That will come with pressures of its own — for at least for one year — to prove he can be successful as the leader of a team.