‘Kind of Torn On it’: Former Coach Hopes Nets’ Kyrie Irving Return to Action

This season has been very unpredictable when it comes to the Brooklyn Nets. At first, the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant duo seemed unstoppable, and it looked like there was no way the Nets wouldn’t seal a place in the playoffs. However, with so many struggles with injuries and health protocols, they hold a 5-6 record, standing tenth in line in the East.

What happened against OKC?

Kyrie Irving and Durant hadn’t played for a couple of games before their matchup with Oklahoma City Thunder. While KD’s three-day absence was because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Irving’s absence had been declared because of personal issues.

Oddly, Brooklyn was down both superstars when they played the Philadelphia 76ers, who are leading in the East and still won. This was also the case against Utah Jazz. But even though Durant was cleared to return for his matchup with OKC, the Nets couldn’t slow OKC down.

This was despite Durant putting up a 36-point performance. The Nets also had a significant double-digit lead, which they tanked. With Irving missing, should the Nets be worried?

The Brooklyn Nets have potential with Kyrie Irving

In an interview, former coach David Fizdale on ESPN asked about his concerns over the Nets’ lackluster 5-6 record. He stated:

“I am kind of torn on it, right? Like I do have a lot of concern. I have always had a lot of concerns, health was always the big one. Dinwiddie, three games he’s only played and now he is out. KD and Kyrie’s seven games apiece. And so that was always my big concern anyway about them. I remember when we brought the ‘Big Three’ together, and we started off nine and eight. It was all kind of stuff in the air… Oh! it was amazing… We won 22 out of 23 after that, and this team has that kind of talent.”

Fizdale concluded by talking about wanting to see the entire team back in shape and ready to compete. He said, “I’m hoping for the best for Kyrie and that he gets back on the court fast because again, all of us want to see this team playing together. And them exciting the league, showing what they can do.”

Will we see the Nets back on their feet anytime soon? Or will this be another season of their stars missing games and then the team failing to go deep in the playoffs?