“When Kyrie Irving talks about mental health issues, our tone is aggressive”: NBA analyst points out difference in treatment for eccentric Nets star

On his podcast, Tom Ziller talked about how Kyrie Irving is being treated differently for coming forward with mental health issues.

Irving went ‘off the grid’ for a week or so earlier this month. He did this without informing Steve Nash about why or how long he’d need time off. The Nets later investigated and found Irving to be in violation of the NBA’s Covid protocol. Kyrie was spotted celebrating his sister Asia’s birthday without a mask.

This resulted in a 2-game quarantine and suspension of game fees for the 6-time All Star. In the middle of all this, the Nets pulled off the biggest trade of the season, landing James Harden. They gave up a King’s ransom in picks for him, but now they have incredible offensive firepower.

Also Read: “Kevin Durant and James Harden can drop 50 points if you’re not locked in”: Giannis Antetokounmpo provides first-hand account of how scary the Nets are

How Kyrie Irving is being treated exceptionally for taking time off

Tom Ziller wrote this with reference to Kyrie’s first interview after returning to the Nets’ fold:

“You may remember that Kyrie previously indicated he wouldn’t be participating in media obligations this season. I’m glad he’s changed his mind, because this was a heartening, illuminating session. It put Kyrie’s role as a basketball star for the Brooklyn Nets in perspective with his own humanity and his personal goals.”

“He didn’t get into specifics about the particular personal and family issues that pulled him away from the Nets. But he did indicate that he had placed a lot of pressure on himself to do everything he wants to do. Now he’s resolved that by bringing others into the fold.”

I figured that the best time to write about Kyrie Irving was the day in which everyone is paying attention to something else.

On Kyrie’s absence, valorizing compartmentalization and learning about ourselves and each other in the gray areas: https://t.co/cc4G8mzkyh 🔓

— Tom Ziller (@teamziller) January 20, 2021

Also Read: “Kevin Durant and James Harden can drop 50 points if you’re not locked in”: Giannis Antetokounmpo provides first-hand account of how scary the Nets are