Kyrie Irving has never been a darling of the media. Just recently, he was involved in another war of words against Fox Sports' Nick Wright, who alleged that Irving would end up retiring if the Brooklyn Nets decide to trade him.

For his part, however, Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas has given his full backing to the embattled Nets guard. Speaking to Etan Thomas of BasketballNews.com, the 60-year-old explained why he believes Irving was in the right to call out Wright for his erroneous report:

“I respect the independence that Kyrie has shown throughout this entire process. Just like we [do] as professional athletes, we as human beings, we as fathers, husbands, brothers — sometimes we get it wrong. And at the same time, sometimes the media gets it wrong,” Thomas said. “And when the media gets called out on being wrong, their response is almost ‘How dare you?’

“Just like one side can be wrong, so can the other side. So, don’t jump on me when I’m wrong, but be quiet when you’re wrong. You received information about me, and what I am thinking and what my intentions are, and whoever told you that didn’t tell you correctly. Now, this is what I meant, this is my voice. This isn’t whatever source, this is my voice. So respect my voice, and that’s what Kyrie has been saying. And he has been very authentic in his voice.”

Isiah Thomas himself has been on the wrong side of false rumors throughout his colorful career, so he appears to be speaking from experience here. He understands what Kyrie Irving is and has been going through, and it is clear that he has offered his full support for the Nets star.

Thomas did not stop there. He also made the bold claim that the Nets would have no chance of winning a championship without Kyrie. Needless to say, Isiah Thomas is a big fan of Kyrie Irving.