Kyrie Irving is changing the narrative in training camp: ‘He’s just been outstanding’

Twice through training camp, Nets star Kyrie Irving has said he wanted to change the public perception about him being a bad teammate last season.

Two days ahead of Wednesday’s season-opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, those around Irving have taken notice.

While Irving’s absence at the start of last season was noteworthy – a byproduct of a combination of his decision against getting the COVID-19 vaccine and New York City’s vaccine mandate – his presence through camp and three preseason games has taken his teammates to another level.

“Kyrie’s been unbelievable,” head coach Steve Nash said after practice at the HSS Training Facility in Industry City on Monday. “His performances on both ends of the floor have been exceptional. Not just in games, but in practices. I think his leadership and mentorship to the young guys has been great. He’s just been outstanding top to bottom this whole preseason.”

Irving’s co-star Kevin Durant said his presence is “key to what (the Nets) are trying to do.” Irving was available for training camp last season, which the Nets held in San Diego, but was unable to play in home games due to the Key2NYC vaccine mandate. Shortly after training camp, the Nets ruled Irving could not practice at home or play in road games, either, effectively putting him on ice until the team reversed course in late December.

“Kai is amazing, talking to everybody, communicating, being one of the heads of the snake on both ends of the floor for us,” Durant said after Monday’s practice. “And we need that talk from everybody, the veteran guys, we need to continue to be in constant communication so we can figure things out on the court. Having a guy like Kai – who’s won a championship, who’s been in those locker rooms and those series – is only going to help us moving forward.”

Starting center Nic Claxton said Irving is “bringing a totally different energy this year.” Claxton said Irving’s “definitely been locked in,” and that he’s ready to “change the narrative” on him.

“That’s big for us having him full-time and not having to worry about the COVID stuff,” Claxton said on Monday. “This whole situation over the offseason.  Honestly, he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. That might not be the public perception of him but he just wants to clear the air I feel like.”

Some have speculated Irving, who is essentially on a one-year deal after failing to come to terms with the Nets on a contract extension this offseason, could have a career year as he plays his way into a new deal. Asked if Irving could win league MVP, Claxton said: “I think he can be the MVP, he can be the Finals MVP, he can do whatever he wants to do. He puts his mind to it, he can do it.”

It’s not only Irving, however, out to change the narrative. It’s an entire organization that has found a new identity after Durant’s seismic trade request forced everyone in Brooklyn to look in the mirror.

“I think we all, everybody, we all have a lot to prove from top to bottom,” Claxton said. “The way the year ended last year, getting swept, top to bottom, everybody, we all have a lot to prove. We all have a lot of different things, our own agendas, that should help the team.”

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from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/nqf9Z4G