Kyrie Goes Missing: Will Kyrie Irving keep himself out of trouble? Or will he do as he pleases at the expense of his team?
For a week, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving disappeared. Many, confused at the sudden absence, began to formulate theories. Some even speculated that he would even retire from professional basketball. On Jan 6, the day after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, Irving sat out a game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to “personal reasons,” leading some to believe that he wanted a break after recent events. How long of a break? Irving missed seven games without notifying his coach or management.
During the hiatus, Irving’s teammates appeared to support him. For example, former Nets guard Caris Levert said, “We support him, You know, he’s our brother.” However, this season could look grim for the Nets if Irving continues this type of behavior. Even if Irving returns, if he continues to bring unwanted attention towards himself and the Nets organization, it could ruin the Nets’ chances of becoming Eastern Conference champions.
After missing three games, people spotted Irving at his sister’s birthday party in a viral video. Irving not only missed several games to party but appeared maskless and violated COVID-19 protocols. As a result, the NBA fined him $50,000, bringing even more negative attention to the Nets.
With Irving out, fans worried that the Nets would struggle without one of its star players. Although the Nets are not the same without Irving, they did win three games against the Nuggets, Knicks, and Magic without him. When the Nets acquired James Harden, some people such as ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith suggested that Irving is expendable and the Nets do not need him to make the Finals.
Fans also claimed that Irving was “privileged” for missing games and complained that the guard continued to be paid nearly a million dollars for each game he missed. Many believed that the Capitol riot was not a valid excuse to miss work, especially when every other NBA athlete continued to play after the event.
Some defended Irving, claiming that he is a human being and is allowed to take occasional breaks. However, missing seven games for unknown reasons is inexcusable; he signed a contract with the Nets. Therefore, he holds a responsibility to his teammates, fans, and coaches to show up and play his best. After all, he receives tens of millions over $30 million per year to dribble and shoot a basketball. Although Irving has returned, if he continues this behavior, will the Nets drop him or will he stop for the sake of his and his team’s future? Irving is the only person that can answer this question.
