Kyrie Irving reflects on his development as a leader after win vs. Magic

Nick Friar
·3 min read
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Before Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic, Nicolas Claxton talked about his relationship with Kyrie Irving. The young Nets forward praised the Brooklyn guard for “real confrontational” approach as a leader.

After the Nets knocked off the Magic, 129-92, Landry Shamet said, “I love Kyrie” when talking about his fellow Nets guard’s leadership abilities.

“He’s expressive and he’s passionate, that’s who Kyrie is,” Shamet added. “He’s going to tell you what’s on his mind, and he’s spiritual … I think a lot of people don’t understand him, don;’ get exactly where he’s coming from, his mentality. And a lot of people fear what they don’t understand.

“It’s been great to be able to be around him, be in the locker room with him, get to know him as person — not just a basketball player, but a person. I know he believes in all of his teammates and he wants the best for all of us.”

When Irving addressed is development as a leader since his days in Cleveland, he said, “There were a lot of people speaking for me, or speaking one my behalf, who didn’t really know who I was. I didn’t offer that access to a lot of people.” But, the Nets guard would not talk about specifics pertaining to his time with the Cavaliers or the Boston Celtics.

Irving still had plenty more to add.

“What I learned from those experiences was, if you’re not enjoying the journey and you’re not committed in the way you would like to be committed — and I mean every day,” he said. “Even when you’re tired, even when you’re having good days, bad days. You got to be able to galvanize the group even when it’s low and even when it’s high. It’s just the balance of leadership, and there isn’t one leader. I’ve had to except that, too. It’s not on me to lead the group by myself and be the hero that everybody wants to — because that’s what America is. They love to build you up, love to tear your [expletive] right down.

“I’m grateful to be in this position to set a better example now than I did then. I take accountability for not necessarily stepping up to the plate or stepping up to the responsibility for my own actions. I had a lot to do with the success and failures of the teams that I was on. I take my role very serious in terms of that, and I’ve been able to learn lessons from that to give to others.

“That’s been the most beautiful part, just to learn. That’s the growth, so I’m just more excited about that than anything. It’s been able to translate to here with the guys that are here. It’s always been bigger than the game for me is what I’m saying. Leadership now is just above having fun and giving those guys energy.”

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