Media week has begun for NBA teams with the start of a new season just two weeks away, but Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was not present today.
Instead, Irving released a statement Friday afternoon.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed,” the statement said.
“I am committed to show up to work every day, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization.”
Under normal circumstances, teams usually select one day ahead of the start of training camp to make the majority of their roster available to reporters.
However, COVID-19 protocols mandate that only a handful of players are allowed in the practice facility at one time.
With these protocols in place, teams across the league have done a media week with a few players being made available virtually to reporters each day.
The NBA’s media policy requires active players to be accessible to reporters at practices and games.
Failure to do so could result in a fine for players.
“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,” Irving said in the rest of the statement. “… 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.”
Kyrie Irving played in only 20 games last season for the Nets due to a shoulder injury and had surgery to repair that right shoulder in March.
The Nets begin group training camp on Sunday and kick off their preseason on December 13.