Growing sentiment that Kyrie Irving's return not preferred by the Brooklyn Nets organization: NBA insider
Kyrie Irving's suspension from the Brooklyn Nets is almost up. But the question on everyone's mind is whether or not the Nets will welcome him back.
Irving is one of the most talented point guards in the NBA. When he's on the court, he has the ability to be a dominant offensive force. Irving has produced at an impressive level this season. In eight games, he's averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. But his performances on the court have never been a glaring issue.
After posting a tweet that promoted an antisemitic documentary, Irving found himself in hot water yet again. He was suspended by the Brooklyn Nets organization for five games. That means Irving is eligible to return to the team this Sunday in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Appearing on "First Things First," NBA insider Chris Broussard stressed caution about the return of Kyrie Irving. According to Broussard, he's heard that within the Nets organization some don't want Irving back. Broussard stressed that "the players might be fine with it," but that not everyone is on board.
"There's a strong sentiment within the Nets organization, not everybody maybe, but they don't really want Kyrie Irving back."
Is the Nets season over?
— @Chris_Broussard * might * be ready to admit the Nets aren't winning the East & reports that there's a strong sentiment within the organization that they don't want Kyrie to return: https://t.co/phdlmLKCbI
Unknown future for Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have been battling to dig themselves out of a hole since earlier in the 2022-23 regular season. Brooklyn started out the year by losing five of their first six games.
This eventually resulted in the dismissal of former head coach Steve Nash. Since then, the Nets have gone on to name Jacque Vaughn as their head coach moving forward. Brooklyn has shown some signs of life as of late. After Irving was suspended on November 4, Brooklyn went on to win four of the five games that followed.
ESPN Sources: Suspended All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is nearing completion on the process needed for a return to play and could rejoin the Brooklyn Nets as soon as Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies: es.pn/3X2vRC1
Since then, Brooklyn has lost two consecutive games in disappointing fashion. The Nets currently find themselves in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 6-9 record.
While Irving has the talent to give the team a serious boost, his antics off the court have brought forth questions. Brooklyn is set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. They will then head home for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, with Irving set to be available to return.
Irving is in the final year of his contract after picking up his player option before the start of the 2022-23 season. With his future up in the air, speculation will surround whether or not the Nets can look to move their point guard.