Play.
Is the Nets making the right decision by allowing Kyrie to play part time?
Monica McNutt and Kendrick Perkins discuss the implications of Irving's return to the Nets. The song is called "2:32."
11:41 AM
Nets coach Steve Nash didn't say if Irving would start or come off the bench for the game against the Pacers. No matter what Nash does, he is confident that Irving will play a big chunk of the game.
"I don't think he can play 38 minutes," Nash said after Wednesday's shootaround. He can play a lot of the game. He's played a lot, so I think he's capable of playing extended minutes, but not his usual high 30s.
The Nets reversed course last month and decided to allow Irving to rejoin the team as a part-time player. The New York City vaccine mandate means Irving is not allowed to play in home games. Nash was asked why the arrangement would work now after the team decided not to have a part-time player.
"When we realized how much stuff was thrown at us, it got dicey," Nash said. 13 of the players had evidence. When we have a guy who can play for us, what's the difference between a 10-day and a guy?
It was an opportunity to bring Irving back in the fold and use a resource that we weren't using. I think there's another case to it because everything has been in change this season and last season. We have been able to adapt. We've found a solution. We have found ways to work through situations. We're going to bring him back in.
Nash said he expected Irving to have a little bit of nerves in his return, but he added that he looks excited and happy to be back. And enthusiastic.
The Nets hope that Irving's return can help them get back on track, as they come into Wednesday's game having lost three straight.
Nets big man LaMarcus Aldridge said that having Irving back has been fun. He's a good teammate. I had time with him last year. I'm excited to have him back. He's from Kentucky. He looks good because he's a professional and talented.
Nets stars Kevin Durant and James Harden have been drawing even more defensive attention without him on the floor, but with Irving's presence they will no longer have to. Nash said that it would be difficult to ease the workload on the two players if Irving were back.
It's easy to say he could help. Nash said that Kevin and James don't want to rest. "We'll see, we'll pick our spots, but see if it helps and presents, but obviously his minutes give us talent." His minutes give us flexibility and his minutes give us a break from the lineup, so we'll look at the positives and work through the adaptation issues we have.
Nash knows that it will take some time for Irving to get used to the new system, but he is confident that he will be able to find his rhythm quickly.
"It might take a little bit but he knows what he's doing," Nash said. We haven't had a lot of time to teach him the basics, but we are happy to do it on the fly. Try to feel a sense of camaraderie with his teammates, before we overload him with thoughts. I think he will be fine.
