If anyone thought former Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving would become a gentleman overnight after joining the Dallas Mavericks, they had made a huge error in judgment.
The Mavericks had to trade Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2027 first-round pick, and a first-round and a second-round pick in the 2029 NBA draft for the Nets point guard and forward Markieff Morris. Despite being in the race to acquire him, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to outbid Mark Cuban.
Fans like me and others were anticipating Kyrie Irving’s first press conference as a Maverick, and the notorious star didn’t let our expectations down.
What did Kyrie Irving say in his first press conference?
The PG appeared for the first interview on Tuesday and started bashing his freshly departed team. “There were times throughout this process when I was in Brooklyn where I felt very disrespected,” Kyrie revealed.
“I worked extremely hard at what I do. No one ever talks about my work ethic though. Everyone talks about what I’m doing off the floor,” said the 30-year-old. “So I just wanted to change that narrative, write my own story.”
In his first time talking since being traded to Dallas, Kyrie Irving says he "really feels wanted" by Mavs and plans to "come in every single day and be consistent."
He also says he wants to be "celebrated and not just tolerated."
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— Jay Wallis (@WFAAJayWallis) February 7, 2023
Previously, the eight-time NBA all-star said, “For me, personally, sitting in this seat today, I just know I want to be in a place where I’m celebrated, and not just tolerated, or just, you know, kind of dealt with in a way that doesn’t make me feel respected.”
It appears that the loyalty has been shifting for some time, as the 2010 NBA champion did not feel at home in Brooklyn. He already appreciated the fans and staff for giving him a warm welcome, and Irving felt wanted and comfortable in Dallas.
Irving submitted a trade request after the Nets failed to sign him to an extension. The former Cavaliers appeared to be joining the Lakers and reuniting with LeBron James, but the Mavericks swooped in and snatched the PG.
Prior to leaving the Nets, Kyrie Irving appeared in 40 games and scored an average of 27.1 points with 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. However, the professional faced trouble regarding the anti-Semitic stance controversy and was suspended for eight games in November.
Do you think Kyrie Irving will find his desired franchise at the Mavericks? Share your thoughts with us.
