Kyrie Irving Is Finally Going To Be Back On NBA Hardwood
Kyrie Irving appears to be ending his long stay away from basketball. Multiple NBA sources reported earlier today the All-NBA guard is beginning the process to return to the Brooklyn Nets. Due to still being unvaccinated, the 2011 #1 pick will only be eligible to play in road games outside of New York City. An interesting tidbit was that some thought newly-elected NYC Mayor Eric Adams would lift the vaccine mandate for indoor events. However, that seems increasingly unlikely with the Big Apple experiencing yet another COVID-19 surge.
While it may come as a surprise to some, there are some reasons behind this. Irving recently posted on social media videos of him lacing up his signature Nike shoes, leading many to speculate about his status. If he does return in full force, then many predictions from experts from last season should remain true. A fully healthy Brooklyn squad will be the team to beat in the NBA.
Unfinished Business
The only reason the Nets were not in the 2021 NBA finals was due to injury. Behind an inspired performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, he pushed the underdog Milwaukee Bucks past a depleted Nets team. Bear in mind, they were roughly a Kevin Durant toe away from being eliminated in Game 7 last season. Now, a healthy Irving to go with a James Harden returning to form and a historically good Kevin Durant will give the Nets the same exact expectations as last season: title or bust. The great offseason that GM Sean Marks had could even raise the argument that the Nets must win the NBA title.
Patty Mills has been excellent in a starting role thus far, with three-point shooting and veteran experience galore. Bringing back Blake Griffin along with Paul Millsap and a healthy LaMarcus Aldridge gives Brooklyn some much-needed frontcourt depth. Rookie Cam Thomas is making a strong case towards being a steal in the 2021 draft, while fellow freshman David Duke has been a reliable depth player when called upon. Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe give Steve Nash some young big men for the rotation. The additions of Deandre Bembry and James Johnson, along with the return of Bruce Brown round out a very strong bench. The Nets have still hit a stride despite not being at 100%, with the Eastern Conference’s best record of 21-8. A fully loaded Nets team is easily one of the scariest in the entire league.
Why Now?
One could also look towards the Nets’ leadership. Why choose now to walk back on their stance of not involving unvaccinated players? There is a simple answer: Kevin Durant. KD has been on a tear to start the season. While leading the league in scoring, Durant is also one of the NBA’s leaders in minutes played. It’s not a shock to see the Nets playing it safe since Durant has played so much on a repaired Achilles. All this wear and tear now does not usually bode well for later in the season.
However, let’s not play dumb here. It’s obvious that Durant’s injury has not been a problem since he returned to play last season. He’s arguably even better than he was pre-injury with the Golden State Warriors. The fact of the matter is that Durant needs to be 100% for April, May, and June. After all, that’s what he, Harden, and Irving were all brought in for. Kyrie’s return should be seen as less of a safety blanket and more of loading up the arsenal. It was the absence of their superstars alone that cost the Nets a title. Now, Brooklyn seems determined not to make the same mistake twice. Kyrie Irving in the fold will probably result in two words: Scary Hours.
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