New York – After weeks of using Instagram stories and data as its primary means of communication, Keri Irving He spoke to reporters Monday morning after training the Brooklyn Nets and talked about playing for the first time since February, being on the field with Kevin Durant And why did he choose to violate the media rules of the league?
“The focus is on what’s going on here,” Irving said when asked about not speaking to reporters in the past. “And I wanted to make sure that was clear, there is no distraction, nothing about squandering anything, nothing about going back and forth.”
Despite the league’s demand that healthy players be made available to the press bodies before or after training and matches, Irving did not speak to reporters throughout the training camp, instead issuing a statement. This resulted in Irving Wants being fined $ 25,000 last week. Irving responded to the fine on Instagram, saying, in part: “I pray to God that we use ‘good money’ for marginalized communities in need, especially seeing where our world is currently … I’m not talking to Pawns. My interest is worth more.”
Irving said on Monday that the comment was not directed at any specific person or journalists as a group.
“It really has to do with how I felt about the abuse of certain artists when we get to a certain platform when we make decisions in our lives for total control and ownership … We want to perform in a safe and protected location,” he said.
While Irving has not participated in any press conferences through the boot camp, his colleagues and coaches have repeatedly said that he appears perfectly healthy. Irving underwent shoulder surgery at the season finale in February and did not join the Nets in the NBA reboot in Orlando, Florida.
Irving said that after the surgery, he had to “rebuild himself.” On Sunday, he had no physical limitations and finished with 18 points and four assists in Brooklyn’s inaugural pre-season win against the Wizards.
It was also the first Nets game in which Irving was able to play with Durant.
“It’s a different show, it was a different stage, and it’s a new start in terms of what we’re building,” Irving said. “And go ahead with the pieces that we have here. That includes 7-11, so get to know us.”
Irving said the boot camp gave him a chance to get to know his new teammates and coaching staff, including new coach Steve Nash. During a podcast hosted by Durant in October, Irving said he “doesn’t really see [the Nets] As head coach. “
On Monday, he amended this statement.
“Steve was amazing,” said Irving. “It kinda commands respect. I think I have to take back my comments regarding the head coach a few months ago. But it’s just like, man, we have a great collaboration. Everyone feels like we’re” retraining each other to be better, so I’m grateful for that ” .
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