Hoops Habit
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After big offseason, bold predictions for the new-look Brooklyn Nets

By James D. Tillman III

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Brooklyn Nets
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Irving will be a good leader (on and off the court)

Kyrie Irving’s past two seasons with the Boston Celtics didn’t go according to plan. In Year 1, he was sidelined with an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2018 NBA Playoffs — a postseason run that saw the Celtics get within one game of the NBA Finals.

Last season, Irving didn’t exactly flourish in the leadership role, especially in instances when he publicly called out his teammates. As it turned out, there was a reason for the way he carried himself for most of the season.

During the Brooklyn Nets’ Media Day, Irving admitted that he wasn’t the leader that he could have been for a Celtics squad that was expected to make it as least as far as the conference finals. Following the death of his grandfather, Irving admitted that playing basketball wasn’t high on his priority list.

"“I didn’t give them everything I could during the season,” Irving told CBSN Boston. “In terms of being a leader and bringing everyone together, I failed. “After the Phoenix game, I went to my grandfather’s memorial. He passed on Oct. 23 and after he passed, basketball was the last thing on my mind. The joy was sucked out of me and there was a facial expression I carried throughout the year. “I didn’t let anyone get close to me and it bothered me. I didn’t take necessary steps to get counseling or therapy to deal with someone that close to me dying. I responded in ways that were uncharacteristic.”"

These comments are significant for two reasons. First, Irving willingly took his fair share of the blame for the Celtics not living up to expectations. That act, in itself, is a sign of maturity.

Second, it appears that Irving has learned from what would be a difficult experience for anyone to deal with, especially in the public eye. And now that he’s playing closer to family, look for a rejuvenated Irving to play with a sense of purpose once again. In other words, not only will he turn in another solid season on the court, he is going to flourish as a leader as well.

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