In his first meeting with the media ahead of the 2020-21 NBA season, Kyrie Irving did not dance around any questions. In instances where reporters asked Irving two questions at once, the point guard made sure to ask them to repeat themselves after addressing the first question — something players don’t always do. Irving didn’t just talk, he backed up his words with action. When it came time to address his silence and some of the remarks he made leading up to his first press conference with the media, Irving made sure to address it all.
“The focus is on what’s going on here. You know, my job,” Irving said. “And I wanted to make sure that, that was clear. No distractions, nothing about dispelling anything, nothing about going back and forth, nothing about calling out one person or another, not even refer to you guys as pawns. You know what I mean? Or media. It’s just really how I felt about the mistreatment of certain artists, when we get to a certain platform of when we make decisions within our lives to have full control and ownership.
“You know, we go through a rigorous season, we do everything we’re asked to do and we want to perform in a secure, protected space — and if I can’t have my voice protected on this platform where I offer myself and my art, just inviting everyone to it because this is what I’ve been blessed to do. You know I didn’t make it from the best circumstances, I made it because my family had a foundation, taught me the right things, how to look at principles of life. So, having that in basketball, my art, you know, it’s just finding a balance, you know, and that’s all.”
In the course of talking about the roller coaster ride 2020 has been, Irving also said to reporters, “I’m just grateful to be sitting here with you guys.”
Irving addressing the media did not come as a result of a conversation with Steven Nash, the coach told reporters over Zoom on Monday.
So Irving’s closing message to the media was all him, too.
“Peace. Thank you, guys,” Irving said. “Wish all you well.”
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