3 bold predictions for the Brooklyn Nets next season
By Luke Duffy
Brooklyn Nets Prediction #3: Kyrie Irving is a model teammate
It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But just because Irving has a long list of issues that have put him at loggerheads with teammates and previous employers, does not mean he can’t turn over a new leaf. After all, the issues surrounding vaccination status are no longer something that could hamper an entire season, as they did with Irving before.
Other players aren’t vaccinated either, and while they may not have been as vocal about it, Irving is in the same boat as them. He may be more outspoken on social issues, and that is great, but putting some daylight between Covid and Irving’s ability to play basketball will be a welcome development.
From another perspective, perhaps the demands of Durant have had a sobering effect on Irving. If Durant’s trade requests weren’t listened to, then wouldn’t it serve Irving to keep his head down and focus on making the Brooklyn Nets a better team? To be fair to Irving, any rumors of him going to the Los Angeles Lakers have never really been fanned by him.
Whether or not Durant stays, the best thing a 30-year-old Irving can do is lead the Nets as close to a championship as possible. In doing so, his trade value, and value in general, would rise, which could then ironically lead to him getting traded if that’s what he wants in the future.
But with plenty of veterans on the roster who want to win and exemplary professionals like Patty Mills, Irving averaging over 20 points and close to 10 assists per contest while encouraging the younger guys in the group would be such a welcome boost both for the team and the player. There is no reason this can’t happen, as Irving has been exactly this in the past.