NEW YORK – Without revealing the details of Kyrie Irving’s non-attendance at the last five games, Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks said it was disappointing to be without their All-Star guard, but that Irving assured him that he was looking forward to being back.
“The organization is undoubtedly disappointed because there is not one of our players – in this particular case, Kyrie, not among us,” Marks told a news conference Thursday afternoon.
“I know he’s excited to get back on track with his teammates as soon as possible,” Marks added.
Marks asked questions about Irving for the first time during the absence of the guard, and Marks said Irving was tested daily for coronavirus while not on the team. Marks reiterated that Irving would have to address the details of his absence directly and that he would not speak on Irving’s behalf.
Irving missed Brooklyn’s last five games for personal reasons. During that time, videos surfaced that Irving showed during a family birthday party. The NBA has announced that it is investigating whether the behavior in the videos is a violation of its COVID-19 protocols.
The league’s health and safety rules prohibit players from going to bars, clubs and lounges or attending events of 15 or more people.
The Nets had a huge success for Harden on Wednesday, according to Marks “completely separate” from Irving’s absence. Still, with a player option available to Irving and Durant this summer, Harden is giving the team another All-Star.
Marks reiterated that the league’s findings would determine whether Irving should be quarantined and the timeline for his return. Marks added that the league will ‘hopefully’ make a decision on Irving soon.
Irving is expected to miss the next game against the Orlando Magic against Brooklyn on Saturday. The Nets passed 3-2 in his absence.