Kenny Atkinson shot down an ESPN story discussing Kyrie Irving's supposed mood swings, including an incident that was said to have taken place during the Brooklyn Nets' travels to China.

"That is completely false. In strictly speaking in my observation and my experience with him so far, it's absolutely not true ... from my perspective, I give Kyrie an A-plus in his consistency and his spirit," said Atkinson.

Atkinson went further, adding that Irving has helped him become a better coach.

"It's easier coaching a great player. It just is. Everybody says how hard it is, and maybe I'm naive. But I think it's great and we've had great one on one conversations. We have great film sessions with the team. He's given me great feedback. He's really helped me on two or three things that have helped the team get better," added Atkinson.