Kyrie Irving’s best quotes since the Nets announced his return

Kyrie Irving’s best quotes since the Nets announced his return: Misunderstood

The biggest message taken away from the Irving-vaccine saga could be the representation of the media’s misunderstanding of one of the most down-to-earth, heartfelt, and genuine individuals in all of sports.

"“I just care about our world a lot and if I am going to be demonized for that, at least let me go out on my own accord,” he said. “This is not about me, this is not about me dispelling what is being said about me particularly or for anybody, it is just saying that I am standing with all those that believe in what is right and are doing what is right for themselves.”"

Irving continued to paint the picture from a real-life perspective.

"“Everybody is entitled to do what they feel is best for themselves and putting me as a hero or painting me as a villain sort of say, going against the vaccine mandates, that was not my intent at all,” he said. “It is about staying real and staying true to who you are and making the choice for you what is best. Everybody has their own family, everybody has their own tribe. Everybody has their own issues or trauma that they are dealing with trying to heal from and I am just trying to support as best as I can.”"

You can tell Irving was upset with how long the narratives about him as a negative person and role model have been trending.

"“I am a hooper, I have been a hooper since I was damn-near four years old and coming into the NBA, I just had a dream to play ball at a high-level,” Irving said. “I did not anticipate all this coming with it, but if I am going to be responsible for my own life, then I have to speak on things that truly matter to me.”"

The 29-year-old brought in a point of view from an athlete’s perspective. Just because one may be portrayed a certain way or act a certain because of how things are made out to be does not mean a great personality should be forgotten about.

"“Don’t believe that I am retiring, do not believe that I am going to give up this game for a vaccine mandate or staying unvaccinated, do not believe any of that man,” he said. “Really, be aware of what is being said before I get a chance to be on a podium and speak for myself. Pay attention to what is going on out in the real world.”"

Irving’s first chance to suit up for Brooklyn will be on January 5 when the Nets visit the Indiana Pacers.