Nets point guard Kyrie Irving remains on the shelf, but head coach Kenny Atkinson refuted a report claiming that Irving is suffering from thoracic bursitis, as Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News writes.
“Whatever that report said is not true,” Atkinson said. “We’re still in the same place the last time I talked. Like I said, the thing is we haven’t gotten to the contact with him. We’re on-court workout situation but the contact just hasn’t been cleared yet. I think that’s the next hurdle. I wish I could tell you when that is. Hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Asked if Irving’s lingering shoulder issue would require surgery, Atkinson said that the team doesn’t believe that’s necessary, adding that the six-time All-Star remains focused on his rehab process.
Although Irving’s return doesn’t appear imminent, today’s update on fellow injured guard Caris LeVert was more positive. According to Malika Andrews of ESPN, LeVert told reporters that he was able to go through 5-on-5 work on Tuesday and again on Thursday.
Atkinson was unwilling to commit to getting LeVert back in the lineup during the Nets’ upcoming road trip to Houston (Dec. 28), Minnesota (Dec. 30), and Dallas (Jan. 2), but also didn’t rule out the possibility of LeVert playing in one or more of those games, per Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
“Of course you want to push me. I’m afraid I’m going to say yes and then it doesn’t happen, so I’m not going to go there,” Atkinson said, explaining why he wouldn’t commit to a specific date. “I’d just say, he’s getting really close.”
With LeVert expected to return before Irving does, Atkinson also left the door open for LeVert to play a backup point guard role when he’s healthy.
“Yeah, he’s done it before. Completely comfortable with that. And yes that’s something we’ll think about,” the head coach said. “That’s something we’re going to need, and he’s really good at it, so that’s going to help us when he comes back.”
Brooklyn has been hit hard by injuries as of late and could badly use some reinforcements after tonight’s 12-point home loss to the Knicks. Spencer Dinwiddie was the only Net to score more than 10 points in that game.
If they’re losing at home to the Knicks, the Nets should be praying those two come back ASAP if they want to remain in playoff contention.
You do realize the Rockets just lost to the Warriors, right?
And I don’t think Eric Gordon is going to save them.
That’s your opinion, isn’t it? You’ll see soon if it’s right.
I was just pointing out how hypocritical your comment was. Or ignorant, if you’d rather. Take your pick.
They Nets are an absolute lock for a playoff spot given how weak the lower part of the East is. Who could possibly overtake them?
Lock? With K. Glass Irving, you’re not going to make playoffs.
Do you even follow the NBA? The Nets are already IN the playoffs.
The ignorance of some people knows no bounds.
Didn’t know the playoffs started today and there’s not 50 more NBA games to go LOL
The Rockets don’t need saving. They’re 21- 10 and the 4th seed in the tough western Conference.
Not so tough, 6 top teams like in the EC, the rest are below average.
True !
The Knicks were especially fired up for Brooklyn, per an HR article I cannot find, after getting tossed from Christmas games. Just what I recall.
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Shoulder bursitis has no fix, just rest. Nets should just shelve him a while longer and get an exception for the roster.
Shoulder impingement takes minimum 8 weeks but sometimes months to heal. He is now in week 6 since the injury was reported.