Kyrie Irving has been rumored to be eyeing the Big Apple this summer. According to recent reports, some believe that he would prefer the Brooklyn Nets over the New York Knicks. Despite the appeal of a superstar acquisition in Free Agency, Irving and the Nets are not a good fit.
The Brooklyn Nets Should Not Go After Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s future with the Boston Celtics remains unclear come July 1st. Though he expressed interest in re-signing, recent speculation has pointed towards the Big Apple as a destination in the summer. Many believed this meant Irving would sign with the Knicks, but recent reports say otherwise.
Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, some believe Brooklyn is a legitimate destination for Irving’s services. “The Brooklyn Nets are also in the running for the enigmatic champion. In fact, some sources around the league believe that Irving prefers the Nets.” Former Cleveland Cavaliers GM David Griffin also believes Brooklyn would be a good fit for the all-star point guard.
Despite the appeal of a superstar signing, the Nets and Irving would not be a good fit. The Nets are on the right track back to NBA relevance, perhaps even ahead of schedule. Signing Kyrie Irving would disrupt the rebuilding process. Here are a few reasons why the Nets should avoid going after Kyrie Irving.
Point Guard (And Leader) of the Future
Every team needs a franchise leader, which is exactly why the Brooklyn Nets should gladly pass on Irving’s services. They have their future leader in franchise point guard D’Angelo Russell. Russell’s 21.0 points per game and 7.0 assists per game has built an impressive case for Most Improved Player, but it has also cemented his status as the franchise leader.
Kyrie departed Cleveland to be the leader of his own team, which is why it could make sense for him donning the Knicks jersey next season. If the Nets were in need of a franchise cornerstone, then perhaps Irving would make sense in Brooklyn. But after Russell’s breakout season, the Nets’ top priority going forward should be retaining D’Angelo Russell long-term.
Who runs the point?
Aside from the franchise leader perspective, let’s take a look at the on-court reasoning. Say that Kyrie playing in Brooklyn could be a real possibility. Even more so, envision that he plays alongside Russell to form a “superstar backcourt.” Could these two share the point-guard duties, or could one of them be effective playing off-ball?
Both players are lethal and do the most damage when the ball is in their hands. They would probably be willing to share the facilitator responsibility, but would that truly maximize their skillsets and strengths? The Brooklyn Nets would be better off finding a complimentary superstar or pieces to build around a franchise guard.
Find a more suitable free agent
Despite D’Angelo Russell’s improved play, it is no secret that Brooklyn is in need of more help and firepower should they want to contend in an improved Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers all made respective moves in order to claim the Eastern Conference. As Brooklyn looks toward the future, they need to also make the necessary moves to take this team to the next level.
Kyrie Irving may not be the right choice, but could there be better free agent options available this summer? Kevin Durant could have his eyes set on New York, so why not make it Brooklyn instead? He could fill a role that the Nets need, be the complimentary star next to the rising D’Angelo Russell, and it could be his next challenge.
Perhaps Kawhi Leonard could be convinced to come to the Big Apple, or Brooklyn could improve their shooting by signing the likes of Khris Middleton. Russell’s rise complicates things in terms of financial flexibility, but it’s a good problem to have for the rebuilding Nets. The smart move going forward is to lock down Russell for the future, and with the remaining cap space, look to improve the roster in a larger sense as opposed to signing one big free agent come July 1st.
Main Photo:
