Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has missed each of his team's past 11 contests entering play Sunday, and before they could tip-off against the Denver Nuggets, head coach Kenny Atkinson gave the update that Irving would return to practice “in the next week or two,” per Malika Andrews of ESPN.
Kenny Atkinson said Kyrie Irving will be integrated into team practices “in the next week or two.”
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) December 8, 2019
Irving has been sidelined due to a right shoulder impingement, clearing the way for Spencer Dinwiddie to enter the starting five. Since Irving went down, Brooklyn has gone 8-3. In that span, Dinwiddie has averaged 23.8 points and 7.5 assists per game, having taken command of the offense.
Brooklyn inked Irving to a max contract during the offseason and his first 11 games saw him collect 28.5 points per contest, which has put him on pace for a new career high. The team went 4-7 in those outings, but Irving was finally establishing himself as the No. 1 option in the offense.
Joining Irving during Brooklyn's massive free-agent summer was Kevin Durant, who is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season as he recovers from a torn Achilles that he sustained during the playoffs last year. With both Durant and Irving out of the mix, the Nets have distributed the offensive load.
Presuming that Irving is able to suit up over the next 7-14 days, he figures to miss at least the team's next six or so contests. The Eastern Conference playoff picture remains open, and coupled with the team's success in Irving's absence, they should be able to remain afloat until Irving is able to retake the floor.
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