Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas has Kyrie Irving’s back

If you asked a random NBA fan what they thought of Kyrie Irving, answers would be all over the place, but one former player has his back, Detroit Pistons’ legend Isiah Thomas.

Irving has become a controversial figure over the last few seasons, as he’s been outspoken about a number of issues and has had a combative relationship with the media.

Kyrie has expressed opinions on silly topics like Flat Earth, but also on the most important social issues of our time, and he has also been highly critical of of the media, calling them “pawns” and expressing his disdain for how he is covered.

I for one am happy when players speak their minds, as they are human beings who have every right to their opinions (though the Earth is not flat, sorry) and every right to be upset if they are intentionally quoted out of context or in some cases, where information is completely fabricated.

Former Detroit Pistons’ point guard Isiah Thomas was recently asked his opinion of Kyrie Irving, and had his fellow point guard’s back.

Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas on Kyrie Irving

In a recent interview with BasketballNews.com Isiah Thomas gave his two cents about Kyrie Irving and his battle with the media:

"“I respect the independence that Kyrie has shown throughout this entire process. Just like we [do] as professional athletes, we as human beings, we as fathers, husbands, brothers — sometimes we get it wrong. And at the same time, sometimes the media gets it wrong…And when the media gets called out on being wrong, their response is almost ‘How dare you?’“Just like one side can be wrong, so can the other side. So, don’t jump on me when I’m wrong, but be quiet when you’re wrong. You received information about me, and what I am thinking and what my intentions are, and whoever told you that didn’t tell you correctly. Now, this is what I meant, this is my voice. This isn’t whatever source, this is my voice. So respect my voice, and that’s what Kyrie has been saying. And he has been very authentic in his voice.”"

I’m with Thomas here, as I don’t always agree with what Kyrie Irving has to say, but he is not shy to say it, so if you want information about him, you can simply ask. I also think it is fair to expect the media to report mistakes with the same zeal as we report salacious quotes or unfounded rumors.

Thomas has been though plenty of controversy himself, so it’s not surprising that he has Kyrie’s back on this one.

However, I also think that this narrative that media just “makes stuff up” is also overblown, as most journalists do their best to get it right, even though they are not always privy to all of the information.

Not everything is a zero sum game, so I hope Kyrie keeps talking to the media, as he is an interesting guy with plenty to say.