NEW YORK – Without disclosing details about Kyrie Irving’s failure to appear in the last five games, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said it was disappointing to be without his All-Star guard, but that Irving said he was looking forward to returning. .
“Without a doubt, the organization is disappointed that it has none of our players – in this particular case, Kyrie, not among us,” Marks told a news conference on Thursday afternoon.
“I know he is excited to be back on the court with his teammates as soon as possible,” added Marks.
Answering questions about Irving for the first time during the guard’s multigame absence, Marks said Irving has been doing coronavirus tests daily while he was away from the team. Marks repeated that Irving will have to address the details of his absence directly and that he will not speak on Irving’s behalf.
Irving missed Brooklyn’s last five games for personal reasons. During that time, videos appeared showing Irving at what appeared to be a family birthday party. The NBA has announced that it is investigating whether the behavior in the videos was in violation of its COVID-19 protocols.
The league’s health and safety rules prohibit players from going to bars, clubs and lounges or attending meetings of 15 or more people.
The Nets had a highly successful negotiation with Harden on Wednesday that Marks said was “completely separate” from Irving’s absence. Still, with a player option available for Irving and Durant this summer, adding Harden gives the team another All-Star.
Marks reiterated that the league’s findings will dictate whether Irving needs to be quarantined and the timetable for his return. Marks added that “I hope” the league will make a decision about Irving soon.
Irving is expected to miss Brooklyn’s next game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. The Nets are 3-2 in their absence.