Kyrie Irving's time as a member of the Brooklyn Nets has gotten off to a less-than-ideal start.
The team has announced that Irving suffered a facial fracture in a preseason workout and that the All-Star guard's status will be day-to-day.
UPDATE: Kyrie Irving has been diagnosed with a left side facial fracture, which he sustained yesterday during workouts. He is currently listed as day to day.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 25, 2019
Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, the injury was sustained on Tuesday when Irving was hit with an elbow during a pickup game at the team's practice facility. He was accompanied by Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson as he was taken to receive further medical attention.
Irving, who joined the Nets in July after signing a four-year deal worth over $140 million, stands to form a dynamic duo with the Nets other major free agent addition, Kevin Durant, who is slated to miss the entirety of the 2019-20 season after tearing his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.
MORE: Nets aren't expecting Durant to play this season
With the Nets media day on Friday and first preseason game on Oct. 5 against Brazillian club SESI/Franca, the injury is a bit untimely, but Irving's status as day-to-day suggests a lack of severity.
Irving suffered a facial fracture in Nov. 2017 after being hit with an inadvertent elbow during his time with the Celtics; it was an injury that sidelined him for just one game. Upon his return to action, Irving wore a clear protective face mask as he healed.
It's fair to expect to see Irving back in action sooner rather than later as the Nets are set to open 2019 training camp in the coming days. Following their preseason opener, Brooklyn will travel to China where it will face the Los Angeles Lakers in two games as part of the 2019 NBA China Games.
The Nets open the 2019-20 regular season at home as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 23.
