There are no such things as guarantees and certainties when it comes to Kyrie Irving and the Nets, but there is at least one thing we know about their situation: The star guard will be away from his teammates for some period of time.
Irving was suspended by Brooklyn for at least five games after he repeatedly failed to apologize for a social media post that included a link to a film featuring antisemitic messaging. In their statement, the Nets said that Irving is "currently unfit to be associated" with the team.
The 30-year-old eventually issued an apology on Instagram following the announcement of his suspension, saying that he "initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled antisemitic" and was "deeply sorry" to have hurt members of the Jewish community.
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said that the apology was "a step" in the right direction, but Irving still has work to do before he can rejoin the Nets' rotation.
MORE: LeBron James comments on Kyrie Irving's suspension
How long will Kyrie Irving be suspended?
Irving has been suspended a minimum of five games without pay. That means he will miss the Nets' matchups with the Wizards, Hornets, Mavericks, Knicks and Clippers.
| Date | Opponent / Result | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 4 | Nets 128, Wizards 86 | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 5 | Nets 98, Hornets 94 | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 7 | Mavericks 96, Nets 94 | 9:45 p.m. |
| Nov. 9 | Nets 112, Knicks 85 | 7:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 12 | at Clippers | 4 p.m. |
What Kyrie Irving must do before returning to Nets
The Nets have not yet announced a return date for Irving because he reportedly must meet six requirements in order to be eligible to play.
Here are those requirements, per The Athletic's Shams Charania:
- Issue an apology, condemn the film and declare that he has no antisemitic beliefs
- Make a $500,000 donation toward anti-hate causes and organizations
- Complete sensitivity training
- Complete antisemitic training
- Meet with Anti-Defamation League representatives and Jewish leaders in the Brooklyn community
- Meet with team owner Joe Tsai and other members of the organization to demonstrate an understanding of the situation
On Nov. 11, Tsai tweeted that he had met with Irving and his family, saying that he believes Irving "does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group."
"The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and [National Basketball Players Association], are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education," Tsai said.
Possible Kyrie Irving return date
Irving's earliest possible return date is Nov. 13, when the Nets face the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. However, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Nov. 11 that there is "skepticism" Irving will be available to play against the Lakers or the Kings on Nov. 15.
Here is a breakdown of Brooklyn's schedule for the rest of November:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13 | at Lakers | 9:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 15 | at Kings | 10 p.m. |
| Nov. 17 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. |
| Nov. 20 | vs. Grizzlies | 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 22 | at 76ers | 7:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 23 | at Raptors | 7:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 25 | at Pacers | 8 p.m. |
| Nov. 27 | vs. Trail Blazers | 3 p.m. |
| Nov. 28 | vs. Magic | 7:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 30 | vs. Wizards | 7:30 p.m. |
Kyrie Irving career stats, highlights
- 23.1 points per game
- 5.7 assists per game
- 3.8 rebounds per game
- 1.3 steals per game
- 0.4 blocks per game
- 2.6 turnovers per game
- 34.1 minutes per game
- 47.0 percent shooting
- 39.1 percent 3-point shooting
- 88.3 percent free throw shooting
