Kyrie Irving just sent a warning shot to the rest of the NBA as he continues his rehab from a nagging shoulder injury that forced the Brooklyn Nets to shut him down for the season.

While the Nets have been on record saying neither Irving nor Kevin Durant are expected to suit up if the season resumes, that didn't keep Irving from taunting his opponents:

Through 20 games with his new team, Irving put up a career-high 27.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. He also enjoyed career bests in field goals made and attempted as well as 3-pointers and free throws, thanks to his ultimate green light with Durant watching from the sidelines all season.

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Irving has been an absolute show worth watching since he changed jerseys from Boston Celtics green to the Nets' monochromatic look, but he has missed 81 games over the past three seasons and has been a constant injury concern throughout his career.

Uncle Drew might be anxious to put people on skates and itching to play like most of his fellow NBA players, but there is no assurance the Nets will let him step on the court after dealing with so many injuries in recent memory.

Irving's best chance is to wait for the 2020-21 season — whenever it does start — and tackle things from there after some ample time for rest and recovery. At that point, with a healthy Irving and Durant, the Nets should find themselves among the NBA title contenders.