Kyrie Irving is entering his 14th NBA season and there are rumors surrounding his future with the Dallas Mavericks.
Naturally, he was asked about it on media day and Kyrie gave a very detailed answer when asked if he wants to finish his career in Dallas.
“I feel like I’m going to be asked that question a few times throughout the year,” Irving said. “I wish a lot of that was under my control, but I think it’s a collaborative effort here and I’m mature enough to understand that the experience I have in the league.
“I can use that as just talking points and conversation points when I’m talking to Masai [Ujiri] and when I’m talking to Mike [Schmitz] and coaching staff.
“You see there is a disparity in age, everyone likes to make a big deal out of it. Everyone on social media likes to talk about it, it’s actively part of every conversation – which I don’t mind. Every fair criticism that we’re brought to this franchise is fair. I’m never gonna shy away from that either. But I think my focus is just continuing to develop, continuing to put my best foot forward with these guys.
“And when we’re out there on the floor, just have fun. When we say have fun, it means compete at the highest level. We’re trying to win.
“Nobody here is just trying to throw the season away saying ‘Hey we have no expectations’. We have high expectations for ourselves and I have high expectations for my guys out there and they can expect high things from me as well.”
Of course, the media wasn’t done. They also asked him about why Dallas is still the place for him.
“I’m not gonna shy away from saying it’s been a little chaotic at times, inside the locker room as well as outside,” Irving said. “…I’m in love with this place just because of how welcoming it was, not just from the franchise aspect but also the fans, lot of support around the city…We’re building something…Having that championship mindset that whatever we face we can deal with.”
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