Kyrie Irving practiced for the first time since his break away from the Brooklyn Nets, and coach Steve Nash said the point guard should be able to play in Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Irving took a two-week hiatus for personal reasons, but the already divisive superstar faced criticism after a video emerged that appeared to show him celebrating his sister’s 30th birthday at an indoor party where most guests did not appear to be wearing masks. Many critics began questioning Irving’s dedication to his team, with some even wondering if he would return to the Nets.
With Irving back, there were obvious questions about his time away, and he was asked about his absence from the team. Irving cited “family and personal stuff” without getting too much into any specifics. He was also asked if he was aware that he may have been breaking the NBA’s health and safety protocols during his absence but simply said he was “happy to be back” and that it was “time to move on.”
While Irving’s vague answers may provide little clarity, he did take the opportunity to apologize to fans who were disappointed by him stepping away without much explanation.
“I am back, I am happy to be back, we got some great pieces and we move on and I let my actions and my game speak for itself like I planned on doing,” Irving said. “I just needed a pause.”
Assuming Irving does play Wednesday, he will get to take the court with new teammate James Harden for the first time. Irving, Harden and Kevin Durant look to form one of the deadliest trios in NBA history.
