Hall of Fame big man Charles Barkley had some tough words to say about Kyrie Irving and his controversial situation with the Brooklyn Nets.
During a recent appearance on Stephen A's World, Barkley went off at Irving, telling him to grow up and stop causing distractions.
“It's time for Kyrie Irving to grow up and be a great player. When you become a professional and making $30 million dollars a year, you're held to different standards than most people. Enough with the distractions, it's time for Irving to show for work.”
The 28-year-old point guard has missed the past five games due to “personal reasons” according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. But earlier this week, a video surfaced on social media showing Irving maskless at a family birthday party, which is against the NBA's COVID-19 safety protocols. The NBA fined Irving $50,000 for the violation, apart from forfeiting as much as $816,898 for not sitting out their past five games.
Nevertheless, despite all the drama Irving has caused, he is expected to return with the Nets on Saturday. But the six-time All-Star will miss his sixth straight game due to health and safety protocols. There's a chance the Nets will be getting their first look at James Harden alongside Kevin Durant against the Orlando Magic.
Nets general manager Sean Marks has previously said that Durant and Irving are fully committed to making things work with Harden.
The talented yet enigmatic Kyrie Irving is averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in seven games this season.
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