Irving in spat with Browns star over his alleged lack of friendship with Waiters.
Cleveland Cavaliers pair Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters have made an attempt to end speculation that they don’t get on as they both look to help the franchise improve.
Irving has been particularly upset with recent media reports concerning his situation in Cleveland, with ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst suggesting that people in his “camp” have made it known for years that he isn’t happy at the organisation.
However, the 22-year-old hit back on Twitter and insisted that he is fed up of listening to the media make up speculation regarding his future, while he has also felt the need to respond to questions over his friendship with Waiters.
Earlier this season, there were reports that the pair engaged in a heated exchange and had to be separated by their team-mates, while others suggested that it turned physical.
More recently, Irving told Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon to “mind his own business” as he claimed that having spoken to Waiters, he was aware that there was a rift in the Cavaliers locker room.
The entire situation has been an unwelcome distraction from matters on the court for Cleveland this year, as they are set to miss out on the playoffs despite trading for Luol Deng and picking up Anthony Bennett in the draft.
However, both Irving and Waiters have moved to now finally dismiss the notion that there is a rift between them, although sceptics aren’t sure whether it was merely a front for the cameras and questions remain over whether or not they can flourish and develop alongside each other.
The Cavs put both players in front of the media on Monday after practice, and they both explained that there is no ill-feeling toward one another.
“I’m pretty sure he don’t hate me. I know he don’t hate me. I hope he don’t hate me. Rome wasn’t built in one day. We’re still young. We’re still planning to stay together. We’re still working. As long as we’ve got great communication down, it’s fine,” Waiters said.
Irving added: “We’ve had numerous occasions where we’ve been in the media about me and Dion’s relationship. I think me and him are just tired of it. I just want to move past it and play basketball.”
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