Kyrie Irving has missed the Brooklyn Nets' last 22 games due to shoulder impingement.
The Nets star spoke with the media for the first time since his injury and admitted that he considered going under the knife to repair his injured shoulder, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. While surgery is not out of the question, Irving will continue his rehab and evaluate his options as the season rolls along.
Irving said surgery “has definitely crossed my mind,” especially with Durant out this season. Said he thought about the present and trying to play with team and worry about next year when it comes. He will continue to rehab and see where it goes.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) January 4, 2020
It obviously hasn't been the debut season Irving had in mind when he signed with the Nets this past summer. Irving has only played in 11 games so far, with averages of 28.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
Opting to go for surgery would obviously throw away his 2019-20 season for good. Considering that Kevin Durant is already out of commission this entire season, it may be smart for Irving to take the rest of the season off as well.
The Nets knew, when they signed Durant in the off-season, that they would not compete this season and their window to compete for the NBA championship essentially begins with Durant returns next year.
With that said, there's probably no incentive for Irving to return this season and risk further injury on an already bum shoulder. Going under the knife now also eliminates the possibility of re-injuring the shoulder and damaging it further.
Likewise, the earlier Irving decides to go for surgery, the earlier he can begin returning to basketball activities once he fully recovers.
The Nets are currently 16-18 on the season and are 7th in the Eastern Conference, but have lost five in a row following a 121-102 home loss against the Toronto Raptors tonight. While they are still in the hunt for the playoffs, they will obviously not go far without the two superstars they signed in the off-season.
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