Although Kyrie Irving has expressed his frustration with the media on more than one occasion, his decision to skip NBA Media Week and just release a statement through a spokesperson was quite the surprise.
“COVID-19 has impacted us all in many ways, so I pray for the safety and health of our communities domestically and abroad. I am truly excited for the season to start and I am also praying that everyone remains safe and healthy throughout this journey.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly.
“I am committed to show up to work everyday, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself.
“Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change.”
Compound Irving’s statement with Brian Windhorst saying the Nets point guard won’t talk to the media in 2020-21 while on ESPN’s The Jump, and it seemed like one of Brooklyn’s superstars might actually go radio silent.
But Greg Logan of Newsday is reporting that’s not the case:
“Although Irving confirmed in his statement that he declined the opportunity to do a media interview on Friday, a Nets spokesman said it would be a mistake to assume he will not speak to the media this season.”
“In response to a Newsday query, Irving’s publicist said: ‘This does’t mean he won’t do traditional media. He has every intent on building a mutually respectful relationship with the media. This is his first attempt to communicate directly/effectively with the people who cover him the most.’
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