The Brooklyn Nets might not be in New Jersey anymore, but they are still a return “home” for Jersey native Kyrie Irving.
Perhaps it was undersold during free agency speculation, but returning to the New York/New Jersey area played a significant factor in Kyrie Irving‘s decision to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Roc Nation Sports, the agency that represents Irving, released a video to commemorate the New Jersey natives return “home.”
.@KyrieIrving is home. pic.twitter.com/usvbxqkyZA
— Roc Nation Sports (@RocNationSports) July 1, 2019
“It was fourth grade,” Irving said in the video. “I had just got done watching the Nets in the Finals. I knew that this is a dream I want to fulfill.”
Did we all forget that Irving grew up when the New Jersey Nets were a force to be reckoned with? The days of Jason Kidd feeding Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, and Richard Jefferson were magical times in the Garden State.
“In my heart, I knew I always wanted to play at home,” Irving explained in his introduction video. “Home is where my heart is and it’s always been there, simply because of such a great love that I have for my family and the way I grew up. I wouldn’t change anything about this journey at all. It brought me back here and that’s home. Home is where my family is and home is where I want my legacy to be. I’m happy to be in Brooklyn.”
One of the main concerns with Irving is his track record with team chemistry. There is no questioning his abilities on the court, but he forced his way out of Cleveland before ditching Boston.
However, the hope is that Irving is entering the situation he needs. He’s choosing to play with close friends (Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan), there’s already a strong established culture in Brooklyn, and he’ll be closer to his family in an area he’s comfortable.
