The Nets begin the unofficial “second half” of the season tonight in Philly to battle the Sixers. Prior to the all-star break, the team had back-to-back quality wins against the Pacers and Raptors. That’s the positive news. To counter any positive news comes with the unfortunate negative news– the team is playing their second extended stretch of games without point guard Kyrie Irving.
Kyrie injured his knee on February 1st against the Wizards but was expected to return after the all-star break. Fast forward a couple of weeks later, now Irving’s shoulder is acting up, again.
Kyrie’s re-aggravates shoulder
News broke on Tuesday afternoon that Irving has re-aggravated the same shoulder injury that caused him to miss 26 games. Irving’s “homecoming” season in Brooklyn has not gone according to plan. Ravaged by knee and shoulder injuries, it’s looking like Kyrie has more likely than not played his final game of the season. Irving treated the injury with a cortisone shot the first time, but the second time may have him considering season-ending surgery.
During Kyrie’s second injury stint, the duo of Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie carried the load for Brooklyn. The team currently holds the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 25-28 record. Coach Atkinson made the decision to insert LeVert back into the starting lineup, and the forward has not disappointed.
Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily says it best– the Nets are playing their best stretch of basketball and LeVert has been the catalyst. He’s averaging 24 points per game and has transitioned smoothly to his role as backup point guard to Dinwiddie.
Kevin Durant Update
One thing will never get old and that is the consistent reminder that Kevin Durant is a Brooklyn Net. Although he still remains sidelined for the season, Durant continues to progress in his rehab. In the latest update, Kevin was seen in the Nets training facility in a full-on sprint. Could it be possible that KD makes it back to the hardwood before Kyrie?
https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1229959618165604353?s=20
Durant’s rehab progress is looking better and better with each update. He is now over 250 days removed from Achilles surgery and the caption from Overtime says it all; “The comeback gonna be MAJOR.” Durant is working out with Nets assistant coach Ryan Forehan-Kelly at UCLA’s facility. The video footage is encouraging, but with Kyrie possibly opting for season-ending surgery, would it make any sense to rush Durant back this season?
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