Skip Bayless says Kyrie Irving's return will create problems for the Brooklyn Nets: "He becomes the crucial X-factor who could destroy all the feel good that Jacque Vaughn has rebuilt."
The Brooklyn Nets are starting to show signs of life. And it's all come while superstar point guard Kyrie Irving remains away from the team.
Irving was suspended for a minimum of five games by the Brooklyn Nets after tweeting a link to an antisemitic documentary. Since then, Brooklyn has given conditions that Irving must meet before returning to the team. The talented guard has also met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver to discuss the matter.
Since Irving's absence, Brooklyn (5-7) has started to play some of its best basketball yet. The team has won three of its last four games, including an impressive 112-85 victory on Wednesday against the New York Knicks.
The Nets have made some additional changes as well. The organization announced on Wednesday that they have promoted Jacque Vaughn to be the team's head coach. After being named the interim head coach after Steve Nash's dismissal, the team's longtime assistant coach has impressed with his performance.
The biggest question that remains is whether or not Kyrie Irving will return to the Nets. If he does, will Vaughn be able to connect with the mercurial point guard? On "Undisputed," analyst Skip Bayless stressed caution:
"Kyrie is about as difficult to coach as they come. Because he says 'I don't need a coach.' He is a gifted basketball player, and I do think he has high basketball IQ. But he doesn't want to hear anything from his head coach. He becomes the crucial X-factor who could destroy all the feel good that has been re-built by Jacque Vaughn."
"Kyrie is about as difficult to coach as they come. He becomes the crucial X factor who could destroy all the feel good that Jacque Vaughn has rebuilt."
— @RealSkipBayless on Nets new HC https://t.co/w2feo6LkM6
Brooklyn Nets starting to find a rhythm without Kyrie Irving
The Brooklyn Nets opened up this season by losing five of their first six games. Since then, Brooklyn (5-7) has gone on 4-2. If their recent play has suggested anything, it's that the team is finally starting to build some confidence.
Brooklyn is set to start the beginning of a four-game road trip this weekend. They will face the LA Clippers (7-5) on Saturday before a Sunday showdown against the LA Lakers (2-9).
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
The upcoming West Coast trip will present another opportunity for the Nets to pick up some momentum in the standings. The ongoing situation with Kyrie Irving will continue to be monitored closely. Some have speculated whether or not Irving will ever suit up against for the franchise.
With Irving out of the lineup, Brooklyn has started to gel offensively. Since Irving's suspension, fellow superstar Kevin Durant has averaged 27.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. Veteran Seth Curry has returned to the lineup as well. In the team's victory over the New York Knicks, Curry finished with 23 points in just 23 minutes.