Kyrie Irving made his season debut for the Nets, scoring 22 points, and the team was able to pull out a comeback win in Indiana.
Although Brooklyn will be without the point guard for four of its next six games, as he still can not play home games in New York City.
“It’s not an ideal situation, and I’m always praying that things get figured out and we’re able to come to some collective agreement”, Irving said when asked whether he would reconsider getting the vaccine to play in home games.
There’s been rumblings about the Nets showcasing Irving for a potential trade give the potential for him not being able to play in home playoff games later in the year. While Irving had to shake off some rust during his 32 minutes of action on Wednesday night, there’s no doubt that his talent is still there and rival teams, just like his teammates, surely noticed.
“It’s special,” James Harden said. “It felt like he’s been playing all season. He looked comfortable as usual, his pace, his rhythm. It looked like Kyrie.”
More NBA News, Notes & Rumors
Russell Westbook trade unlikely? According to a report by The Athletic, the Lakers “showed some covert interest” in trading Westbrook. However, at this time, a trade before the deadline is considered unlikely.
Lakers looking to trade DeAndre Jordan: Los Angeles wants to open up a roster spot, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, and with LeBron James playing center for the team (and doing it well), the Lakers could look to make additions leading up to the deadline at other positions. Kent Bazemore is also a candidate to be moved.
Wizards slowly getting team back: Spencer Dinwiddie and Aaron Holiday have both exited the league’s health and safety protocols. It’s unclear exactly when the two guards will play, as they’ll need to work on their conditioning following the absence.
Latest on Zion Williamson: The former No. 1 overall pick continues to rehab away from the team, though President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said the big man is still under the franchise’s supervision while he works on his foot in Portland, Oregon. “We also agreed that in order to put Zion in the best position to succeed, he will rehab away from the team at this time so he can focus on the task at hand.” Griffin told Woj.
Cavs have plan to get Rajon Rondo acclimated: Coach J.B. Bickerstaff indicated that he expects Rondo to see around 20 minutes or so in the point guard’s debut on Friday.
DeMarcus Cousins‘ time in Milwaukee is over: The Bucks are opting for roster flexibility over retaining Cousins. If he wasn’t waived by this Friday, Cousins’ contract would have became guaranteed.
