Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson knows star point guard Kyrie Irving is “desperate to get back” on the court.
Irving hasn’t played since Nov. 14 due to a right shoulder impingement. Atkinson says Irving still hasn’t been cleared for contact:
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson on Kyrie Irving: “I know he’s desperate to get back. He’s doing everything he can do. Like I’ve said all along, shoulders are tricky.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 28, 2019
When asked by reporters if surgery has been explored as an option for Kyrie Irving, Kenny Atkinson said, “I don’t think we’re there.”
Irving has played in 11 games this season for the Nets. He’s averaging 28.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 93.7 percent from the free-throw line.
ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell explained in detail exactly what Irving is going through at the moment, via Malika Andrews of ESPN:
“There is a very small space at the top of the shoulder where several structures intersect,” Bell said. “If there is inflammation or tissue damage to any of the structures in the area … the pinching, or impingement, that results when the arm goes through elevation can cause pain.
“For a basketball player who has this in his dominant arm, the most obvious limitation would occur anytime he elevates his arm to shoot the ball, but it can be equally problematic when trying to play defense or anytime there is even incidental direct contact.
“These things can be addressed simultaneously. The trick is to balance the strengthening and returning to activity with proper loading to not trigger a renewed inflammatory response. While this may sound easy, there is no simple formula.”
The Nets are 16-14 on the season, good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Nets fans can’t wait to get Irving back in the lineup, but it’s clear the team is going to be cautious with his injury.
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