Kyrie Irving is pulling a LeBron James and going home.
The newly-minted Brooklyn Nets star shared a post on Instagram on Monday to explain why he made the move away from the Boston Celtics. Irving, who was born in Australia, grew up in West Orange, New Jersey and played high school basketball in the area.
“It was, fourth grade, I had just gotten done watching the Nets in the Finals and when I knew that this is a dream that I want to fulfill, I had to manifest that, I had to go get it. I had to put in my time. I had to put in my hours. I had to relentlessly work on a craft, and do it with a passion and love that no one could take away from me.”
“In my heart I knew I always wanted to play at home. And home is where my heart is. And it’s always been there. It’s 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 the experience, at all. It’s brought me back here, and that’s home. And home is where my family is. Home is where I want my legacy to continue. I’m happy to be in Brooklyn.”
Irving made it clear before free agency began that he would not be rejoining the Boston Celtics, after a two-year stay. That came as little surprise, largely because of the dysfunction that took place during Irving’s tenure in Boston. As free agency drew nearer, it was clear that Irving was attempting to link up with Kevin Durant, another pending free agent. Irving also was leaning toward Brooklyn. Then it all seemed to come together in the minutes before free agency opened: reports emerged that Durant, Irving and DeAndre Jordan would all join the Nets.
Surely, that new core of stars played a part in Irving’s trip to Brooklyn.
