Stephen A. Smith believes that Kyrie Irving should retire from basketball.
The ESPN artist believes that Irving’s personal license is proof that his heart is not in the game and he owes it to fans, the Nets organization and his teammates.
“He is not worth [the drama] at all, ”Smith said on the network on Wednesday. “In fact, let me say this bluntly: I think Kyrie Irving should retire. I think he should announce his retirement today. Obviously, you don’t want to play basketball enough. “
Irving, 28, will lose his fifth straight game when the Nets face the Knicks on Wednesday night at the Garden. His absence is believed to be because he is upset by the United States Capitol riot. But on Monday night, a video appeared of an unmasked Irving at what appeared to be a family birthday party.
Although the video was undated, her father, Drederick, turned 55 on Monday and her sister, Asia, turned 30 on Tuesday. Then, on Tuesday, Irving was spotted at a video call launch party by Tahanie Aboushi, a Democratic candidate for Manhattan district attorney.
“Kyrie Irving didn’t prioritize basketball, but I’m not saying that he doesn’t want to play together,” said Smith. “I’m saying that he didn’t prioritize that, and how fair was it to Brooklyn Nets? How fair is that to Sean Marks? How fair is that to Steve Nash – a coach he approved of bringing on board, a coach he wanted, a coach he fully supported? How fair is that to your brother, Kevin Durant? “
Smith praised Irving for his good work outside the court, but also noted that he could do these things while he was still playing.
“Here’s the problem I have: he acts like he can’t chew gum and walk at the same time,” said Smith.