Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson is a smart guy. He knows all the outside pressure from the media and fans is going to be on All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving this season since two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant likely won't play.
Sensing that a lot has been placed on Irving's shoulders from an outside perspective, Atkinson has told Irving from day one that the “pressure isn’t on you.”
“I told him from day one the pressure isn’t on you. I need to perform well, our younger guys need to get better… Our job here is to give him support.”
– Atkinson on Irving
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) October 23, 2019
Irving struggled as the leader for the Boston Celtics last season. No one has ever doubted Irving's basketball talents, as he's a magician with the ball and puts on a show every night.
However, there are some pundits who believe Irving has a negative effect on teammates and isn't mature enough to be a leader.
No one in Brooklyn feels that way, though. The Nets are confident Irving can lead the team this season without Durant, who will rehab his Achilles injury under the watchful eye of Brooklyn's medical team. Irving has a lot of talent around him and is playing at home. Uncle Drew grew up a Nets fan while living in New Jersey.
Irving averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game last season for the Celtics while shooting 48.7 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from beyond the arc and 87.3 percent from the free-throw line. Kyrie made the All-NBA second team, is a six-time All-Star and NBA champion.
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