Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has been ruled out of the rest of Monday's preseason game against the Lakers in Shanghai, China. The All-Star floor general took a shot to the face from Rajon Rondo after just one minute of action, re-aggravating a facial fracture he sustained during a pickup game earlier in the summer, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
This is hardly the first time Irving has taken a blown to the face, as he's been forced to wear masks during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, apparently keeping the tradition alive during this stint in Brooklyn.
There's a strong likelihood that the new free agent signing is kept out of preseason action altogether, considering the Nets will need him at full strength during the regular season and available to play, now that Kevin Durant has been ruled out for the 2019-20 season.
Irving averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and a career-high 6.9 assists while shooting 40% or better from deep in each of the last three seasons. His contributions to the Nets' offense will be of utmost importance after signing a four-year, $146.5 million free agent deal this offseason.
The Nets will employ full caution with his injury, considering what's at stake this season and looking out for the long-term health of their star point guard.
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