NBA Rumors: Nets Need To Deal With Irving Mood Swings Until Durant Return

Kyrie Irving is doing fine holding up the fort for the Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Durant still indisposed. He has been putting up monster numbers in three games so far. He has averaged 37.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. So far, Brooklyn is 1-2 this early in the 2019-20 NBA season.

Regardless, Irving is showing to be worth the investment for the Nets. But of course, some intangibles could crop up. Among them include the reported mood swings of Uncle Drew. It is this side of him that quirks teammates and a point of criticism he gets once he parts with teams and past teammates, ESPN reported.

"When Irving lapses into these funks, he often shuts down, unwilling to communicate with the coaching staff, front office and sometimes, even his teammates. Nets team sources say one such episode occurred during Brooklyn's trip to China, leaving everyone scratching their heads as to what precipitated it," wrote ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan.

Irving's moodiness is well documented. It was something raised during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then with the Boston Celtics. It is a side of him that most misinterpret and the Nets are worried about moving forward. One person, they believe who can check that is Durant.

Durant is doubtful to play this NBA season, meaning Nets management will have to find a way to keep things in check for now. Even if he is healthy, the former NBA MVP said that he will not interfere and respects Uncle Drew for what he is and what he does.

"He has his way of doing things. I respect who he is and what he does. He has all the intangibles you want in a teammate and a great player. So, how he gets to the point to be ready for 7:30 every night, I'm supporting him 100 percent," said Durant.

Irving signed up with the Nets for four-years and has proven to be a prized catch. The mood swings are nothing new and Brooklyn needs to find a way to keep things in order. But the bottom line of it all is to see the Nets reach their goal - making the NBA playoffs and possibly a title.

The Nets spring back to action against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 30 at the Barclays Center starting at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Pundits feel that this will be a close game with odds minimally favoring the visiting Pacers.