Kyrie Irving may have played his last game of the 2020-21 NBA season – because, of course.
Irving is prepared to stay out of the rest of the campaign amid his growing frustration with the Nets, Jason Dumas of KRON-TV reported on Wednesday. The star guard, who has missed Brooklyn’s last five games while the NBA investigates videos of his unmasked party, is angry with the organization for several reasons, including hiring coach Steve Nash.
There are also reports indicating that the Brooklyn acquisition of James Harden was not approved by Irving, who was allegedly not responding to the Nets’ calls on Wednesday afternoon.
What a mess!
“The Brooklyn Nets have always been interested in acquiring James Harden, but the deal has become imperative due to the situation with Kyrie Irving,” tweeted Dumas. “Kyrie is willing to stay out of the year, if need be, someone close to him is saying.”
Again: what a mess.
Irving is receiving immense criticism from across the NBA. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN even asked for the retirement of the 28-year-old – immediately. At this point, Irving, still one of basketball’s most exceptional talents, has lost the benefit of the doubt.
However, if Irving somehow compose himself and return to the court, the Nets can be an unstoppable force like the NBA has never seen. Brooklyn legitimately has three players in its squad that can score 50 points any night.
Of course, your success would also depend on Harden returning to something similar to a professional human being – another big “if”.
However, Irving and the Nets are producing one of the most entertaining dramas in the sport’s recent history.
Miniature photo via Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports Images