The Brooklyn Nets were severely undermanned when they faced the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Kevin Durant was not in uniform and could miss four games due to COVID-19 related matters. But the absence of Kyrie Irving is what most were not expecting.
For some reason that has yet to be known, Uncle Drew did not show up in the Nets match against the 76ers. Head coach Steve Nash was clueless on why the All-Star guard was not around, revealing he was not informed about it.
Nash said that he sent Irving a text message but never got a reply. Irving cited personal reasons behind his absence but some feel that the one-time NBA champion just did not want to play.
If it is any consolation, Irving did send out a text message to Caris LeVert and his teammates according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic. But the mystery here is why Nash was not informed.
Caris LeVert said Kyrie texted Nets players before the game — Joe Vardon (@joevardon) January 8, 2021
Regardless, the Nets managed to win over the Sixers 122-109. With Brooklyn’s top two stars out, Joe Harris led the Nets with 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. LeVert backed him up with a double-double performance of 22 points and 10 assists, ESPN reported.
The Nets will face the Memphis Grizzlies and there is no word on whether Irving will suit up. Though he pointed out personal reasons, some camps feel that the six-time All-Star may be purposely sitting out as a sign of protest to the attack of the US Capitol or even the verdict on the Jacob Blake shooting.
It is a valid reason considering Irving said in the past that basketball should take a backseat when it comes to dealing with social issues. If that is the case, the question that the Nets and NBA fans are trying to figure out is how long will Uncle Drew hold out?
With Durant in quarantine and Irving’s return up in the air, these developments could factor in with the chemistry that the team is trying to figure out. Though they have been playing well as of late, most know that the important stage in the postseason.
Nash and company are likely to make the necessary adjustments with their top two stars out. But another question in mind is will Irving be given his regular minutes once he returns? Will he be penalized for not properly informing the team that he would not play against the 76ers?
