Kyrie Irving made his decision — and that decision has consequences.
Those consequences don’t only land on Irving, they could impact the health of those around him (unvaccinated people are more likely to both get and spread the coronavirus).
Those consequences absolutely land on his Brooklyn Nets teammates, who will tip off the season Tuesday night in Milwaukee without him. Kevin Durant isn’t mad about that, he doesn’t see the point — KD wants to focus on the season, and he is “positive” things will work out.
"What is being mad going to do? We're not going to change his mind...life is amazing so I can't be too mad at somebody making a decision for themselves"
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 15, 2021
Kevin Durant explains why the Nets aren't upset about Kyrie Irving being absent from the Nets pic.twitter.com/QFBwDMWXly
"I definitely want Kyrie to be around...Kyrie made his decision on what he wanted to do...and the team did the same. It's on me to just focus on me and do my job" - Kevin Durant
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 15, 2021
Durant says he's "positive" things will work out between Irving & the Nets pic.twitter.com/lV0t1DFRjI
“I wish none of this stuff would happen, but this is the situation that we are in. Kyrie made his decision on what he wanted to do and he chose to do what he wanted to do, and the team did the same. It’s on me to just focus on me, and do my job, and let those two parties handle that situation. I want our whole team together, and I want us to be at full strength, but sometimes it don’t work out that way.
“But I am still positive that things will work out the best for both parties.”
Irving’s rambling “explanation” of his decision on Instagram Live Wednesday night showed him to believe himself to be an iconoclast (albeit one without a focused cause). Durant is right, Irving is not in a place where his teammates can change his mind right now.
Durant and that veteran Nets roster also understand they are still serious title contenders without Irving and need to just focus on the season in front of them — they know these opportunities are too rare and precious to squander.
Irving’s comments also left the door open to his return down the line. That probably happens (better than 50/50 chance is my guess, although predict Irving’s thinking at your own risk). At some point this season, Irving will probably believe he made his point/find a way to save face, and return to the Nets.
Durant will be there when it happens, not mad, just wanting to focus on the game — and winning a ring.
