The Nets Can't Count on Kyrie Irving: Unchecked

The Nets have championship expectations, but they can't know what to expect from Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving said the last thing he wants to do is create more distractions. Well, too late...because whether or not he can play in home games is not a private matter. 

Does Kyrie Irving expect to play in home games this season?

"Please, respect my privacy." pic.twitter.com/pYMZ0p21Om

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) September 27, 2021

To me this isn’t so much about the vaccine as it is the pattern Kyrie has developed of not always being there for his team, considering his teammates were once again forced to answer questions about him at media day.

Kevin Durant was asked about Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status today at Nets media day: “That's his personal decision, what he does is not on us to speculate. I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” pic.twitter.com/HcjuIzUFu7

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 27, 2021

To be clear, Kyrie’s vaccination decision is a personal choice, but one that could have enormous professional implications. However, it was also a personal choice when he decided to take time away from the team last season, which had nothing to do with how anyone might feel about the jab.

Players don't have to reveal vaccination status, but here are the facts: Unvaccinated, Kyrie can't play in any Nets home games, plus games at MSG or in Toronto. These are legitimate, basketball-related questions.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 27, 2021

The constant drama around Kyrie is in a word exhausting. To the point where I wonder whether he’s even worth it, and I believe he’s probably the most skilled basketball player who ever lived! I don’t want to speculate too much about what might happen from here, as the only thing I know for sure is the Nets can’t count on Kyrie. He’s already proven that.

That’s why trading for James Harden was so huge for them. Not only did it create a Big Three, but he also serves as insurance for Irving, who must be treated as a luxury rather than a necessity based on his lack of reliability.

David Letterman is here at Barclays Center for Brooklyn Nets Media Day. He appears to have replaced Kyrie Irving, who is not expected to be available, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/P6QUsTEQSU

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 27, 2021

The Nets may have championship expectations, however, they can never truly know what to expect from Kyrie. Luckily, Harden and Kevin Durant seem fully willing to take all the shots.