Irving ends his media blackout
Kyrie Irving spoke to reporters Monday for the first time this season, clarifying that he wasn’t referring to the media last week when he said he doesn’t talk to pawns.
A day after making a strong preseason debut for the Brooklyn Nets, Irving spoke for more than 15 minutes on a Zoom interview, explaining why he has been guarded in his comments.
Irving had not done any interviews since NBA teams began holding media sessions on Dec. 1. Both he and the Nets were fined $25,000 last week for his refusal to do league-mandated media availabilities.
He responded with an Instagram post in which he appeared to be criticizing the media when he said he doesn’t talk to pawns.
“It’s just really how I felt about the mistreatment of certain artists when we get to a certain platform,” Irving said, adding that he wanted “full control” of his message.
The All-Star guard added that he wanted to avoid distractions as he and Kevin Durant return from injuries for their first season playing together in Brooklyn. Irving was sharp Sunday, scoring 18 points while playing only in the first half in a victory over Washington.
He also praised firstyear coach Steve Nash on Monday. While doing a podcast with Durant this summer, he had said the Nets didn’t see themselves as having a coach.
“I think I’ve got to take back my comments in terms of the head coach a few months ago,” Irving said. “But it’s just like, man, we have such a great synergy. Everyone feels like we’re coaching one another to be better.”
Pistons: Detroit
● waived guard LiAngelo Ball and forwards Louis King and Anthony Lamb. King played on a two-way contract with the Pistons last season. Lamb and Ball were signed earlier this month. Ball is the brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard
Lonzo Ball and Charlotte Hornets lottery pick LaMelo Ball. LiAngelo Ball entered the 2018 NBA draft and was not selected.
Magic: Orlando said ● it plans to have 4,000 fans in seats for regular season games, with strict adherence to social distancing and other health protocols. The team will build up to that 4,000 figure, with no fans other than family members of the Magic organization permitted for the preseason and then smaller crowds for the first five regular season home contests.
For now, the 4,000 attendance maximum is the largest known figure in the NBA to start the season – which opens
Dec. 22. Many teams have said they will start the season with no fans; others are capping at figures like 300 in Cleveland and 1,500 in Utah.
Face coverings will be mandatory inside Orlando’s Amway Center, fans will have to complete a pre-arrival symptom and exposure survey, and those in proximity to the court will have to undergo testing. The Magic are also not allowing bags into the building, except in specific circumstances.