After the Nets had blown out the Warriors on Tuesday night, players gathered in the locker room for an impromptu ceremony. It was time to honor the new coach, Steve Nash, with the game ball. It was only fitting, star performances on the court aside.
And it was Kyrie Irving who did the honors. Short speech, long hug.
It should not have been a surprise. Kyrie Irving, despite whatever calumny or criticism thrown his way, is the Nets leader. As Brian Lewis writes Thursday, it shouldn’t come as surprise. Irving in the team’s vocal leader.