Brooklyn Nets missing $70 million from their lineup with Kyrie's suspension and Ben Simmons missing games: NBA analyst
Brooklyn Nets stars Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons find themselves on the sidelines. For now, the Nets are trying to find any way to climb themselves out of a hole in the Eastern Conference standings.
After a disappointing 116-103 loss to the LA Lakers on Sunday, the Nets find themselves at 6-8. Brooklyn started out by losing five of its first six games. The team started to show signs of life as of late, winning four of its last five games before Sunday's loss.
Starting point guard Kyrie Irving remains suspended after promoting an antisemitic documentary on social media. Questions remain about when Irving will return to the team. Sunday was his sixth game away from the team.
Ben Simmons has also struggled on the court. Simmons missed the Lakers game and is considered day-to-day with a knee injury. He came off the bench for the previous three games after being out for four. For two of the biggest pieces of the Nets roster to be out, it's problematic.
NBA insider Shams Charania spoke about it while appearing on "FanDuel TV":
“The fact that they’re going to be without him (Kyrie Irving) for an indefinite period of time, no Ben Simmons – that’s $70 million out of your lineup. That's, like, to me, what jumps out in a very significant way. They need both of those guys back on the court and playing at a high level if this team is going to be anywhere close to what they want to accomplish. ”
“The fact that they’re going to be without him (Kyrie Irving) for an indefinite period of time, no Ben Simmons - that’s $70 million out of your lineup.”
@ShamsCharania with the latest on the Nets on #RunItBack with @MichelleDBeadle @ChandlerParsons @bansky https://t.co/uRcVQBIEXO
Future of Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets still unknown
Originally, Kyrie Irving's suspension with the Brooklyn Nets was set at a minimum of five games. But there's still plenty who believe that Irving's time with the team could be running out.
When Irving's been on the court, he's produced at a high level. He's averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. But Irving's ability has never been the problem. The bigger issue has been his antics off the court, which have consistently painted a dark cloud over the organization.
How Kyrie Irving's teams have fared with him and without him in the last 6 seasons 👀
With Kyrie: Without Kyrie:
149-111 (.573) 111-81 (.578) https://t.co/dw5ZYT9nRu
Brooklyn has a couple of options to consider. The hope is that they can get Irving back without any potential future headaches. If the organization isn't convinced that can happen, the Nets could look to move Irving. Kyrie Irving is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. That means he could be an intriguing trade target for a team that is willing to gamble on his talent.
The Brooklyn Nets will continue to weigh their options, but it's clear that some decisions need to be made in the near future. Time will tell if the Nets will give Irving another chance or if too much damage has been done.