Watch: Kyrie Irving sends an apology for his anitisemitic comments & mentions struggles he faced amidst the controversy
Kyrie Irving is progressing toward making a return to the floor. Going into the weekend, reports emerged that Irving would likely be cleared to return from suspension for Sunday's game versus the Grizzlies. That was followed by a video from Irving where he explicitly apologized for his actions.
It marked the latest chapter in a long and storied saga for Irving in his quest to return to action. Initially, his suspension was listed as an indefinite one, with a minimum of five games. After meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Nets owner Joe Tsai, the door was reportedly open for Kyrie Irving to return.
Although the door was open for an Irving return, he then wound up sitting out the team's game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.
Fortunately for the Nets, Kevin Durant was able to lead the team to victory, putting up 35 points in 38 minutes.
"I don't have hate in my heart for the Jewish people or anyone that identifies as a Jew. I'm not anti-Jewish or any of that. And it's been difficult to sit at home with my family with them seeing all of this and having questions and the part that hasn't been hard is explaining myself because I know who I am and I know what I represent."
He added:
"I think the difficult aspect is just processing all this and understanding the power of my voice, the influence I have. I'm no one's idol, but I am a human being that wants to make an impact and change."
Kyrie Irving then provided a clear-cut apology:
"I'm sorry to not only the Jewish community but to my family members and to my relatives. Because they know I stand for something bigger. And I'm grateful now I get to explain myself."
You can see the full apology in the video below.
Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets future
It seems like the Nets have turned a corner this month.
After starting the season in October with only two wins, the team recently picked up a win over the Trail Blazers, one of the best teams in the West. That same game, Ben Simmons came off the bench and put up a double-double. The game showed fans and the Nets franchise that the three-time All-Star still has 'it'.
With Irving returning to the floor the team will look to keep the momentum rolling. Sunday night the Nets will host the Memphis Grizzlies, who sit in third place in the West.
Although Kyrie Irving is averaging a career-low percentage from beyond the arc, his presence could see the team propelled to new heights. Despite a recent surge over the course of November, the team still finds itself in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
With 66 games left in the season, the Nets have the 17th toughest schedule in the league going forward. This should buy them some time as new coach Jacque Vaughn helps guide the team on their path.
Check out some highlights from the team's two-point win over the Trail Blazers below.