A timeline of the recent absence of Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets

On Wednesday morning, ESPN TV personality Stephen A. Smith called Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving to retire from basketball.

“Of course, you don’t want to play basketball enough,” said Smith in a long speech on ESPN’s First Take. “… Kyrie Irving did not prioritize basketball. I’m not saying that he doesn’t want to play completely. I’m saying that he didn’t prioritize that. Is that fair for Brooklyn Nets? How fair is that to Sean Marks? How fair is that to Steve Nash, a coach he approved of bringing on board? … How fair is that to your brother, Kevin Durant? “

The situation in Brooklyn quickly worsened. Brooklyn’s dominant victory over the Celtics, which has made many observers crown the Nets as favorites in the East, is disappearing in the rearview mirror. Brooklyn is now 4-6 in its last 10 games and only seventh in the East. The Nets once again mortgaged their future to bet on the present, acquiring James Harden in exchange for almost all of their starting capital.

So, how did things get so bad so quickly that a renowned sports expert asked for retirement from one of the most attractive players in the NBA?

A timeline of recent events.

January 5: Irving scores 29 points in Brooklyn’s victory over Utah.

Irving hurled 12 of 19 off the ground while the Nets rolled over Jazz 130-96.

January 7: Kyrie Irving loses a game for personal reasons.

Irving was left out of a game for personal reasons the day after a violent mob stormed the US Capitol building in Washington. Some tied the two events together. From others reports suggested that their anger at the Nets organization has been growing for some time.

In either case, Nets’ head coach Steve Nash told reporters that he contacted Irving and received no response, but that Irving’s absence was a “private matter”.

January 10: Nash got in touch

On Sunday, Nash told reporters he was not sure when Irving would return.

“Ky is still on personal leave and all communication with Ky, between the organization, I will keep confidential,” Nash told reporters. “I’m sure you will hear from him at some point.”

Later that night, Durant told reporters that the Nets support Irving “100 percent”.

January 11: Irving ruled out again vs. Denver

Once again, the team eliminated Irving the day before the game. As COVID cases skyrocketed in the league, some wondered if Irving was simply trying to prevent the infection.

January 12: Irving is seen at a club with his sister

On Tuesday, Irving was seen at a party with his sister at a club for her unmasked birthday. This violated the NBA’s COVID protocol and – pending an investigation – may force you to quarantine, cutting part of your salary this season.

GM Sean Marks of Nets released a statement about the video, saying “We are aware of a social media video featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering. We are reviewing circumstances with Kyrie and the NBA to determine compliance with health and safety protocols. “

Marks added that Irving remained away from the team for personal reasons and that the return date has not yet been set.

“Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so,” wrote Marks in the statement.

Nash was asked if he is confident that Irving will return this season.

“Sure,” said Nash.

January 13: exchange of networks for James Harden

The Nets were a huge success on Wednesday, trading seven picks / pick swaps for the Houston Rockets as part of a package that earned them James Harden.

Brooklyn dismissed Irving for the game against the Knicks on Wednesday afternoon. Nash was later asked about Irving’s continued absence.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to know any new details about Kyriesituation, ”said Nash. “I will count on the front line to learn more as we go.”