Though they have yet to even play a preseason game, new Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash has been forced to address the first controversy of the season surrounding point guard Kyrie Irving.

In the aftermath of Irving's claim that he would “boycott” the media for the duration of the year, the new head coach spoke to reporters gathered for the team's practice. Explaining that he had yet to discuss “off-the-court stuff” with the guard, Nash was quick to point out that Irving remained in his good graces (via Adam Zagoria).

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Initially fined following his refusal to talk to the media during the start of the organization's training camp on Dec. 1, Irving subsequently released a statement in which he called reporters “pawns” and a “distraction.” While it's clear that the point guard is adamant in his refusal to speak with the media, what is less so is the response the NBA plans in addressing the matter.

With players and head coaches obligated to speak with reporters throughout the season—at the expense of fines if they do not—the league has yet to encounter a situation in which an individual has refused to speak to the media for a whole season. In Irving's case, not only was the point guard fined for his absence with reporters on Dec. 1, but the Nets organization was as well, opening the possibility that the team could suspend him without pay for “cause,” should the financial penalty levied by the league grow.

While Brooklyn and Steve Nash appear to be taking a wait and see approach, the Nets will continue to prepare for their opening game of the preseason Sunday night against the Wizards.