Nets’ Steve Nash says Kyrie Irving’s return is ‘getting close’

As the Nets continue to fight for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, guard Kyrie Irving's imminent return would be a big lift towards that goal.

Even at 23-10, the team is currently second in the conference but have leaned heavily on Kevin Durant and James Harden this season without the star guard. Irving has yet to play a game this year due to a combination of New York City’s vaccine mandate and the team not wanting him to play just part-time. Recent injuries paired with the Omicron variant forcing many players into health and safety protocols have changed the minds of the organization, leading to Irving being back once he’s ready.

When asked about how his star guard has looked in his “ramp up” from not playing all season and being placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols, head coach Steve Nash had nothing but nice things to say.

“[Kyrie Irving] looks great, considering he was in isolation,” Nash said before Saturday’s game against the Clippers. “So for him to come out of that and to look as good as he has playing with the stay-ready group and getting his rhythm back has been exciting….We have to give him time to get his feet under him. As far as he looks, he looks very gifted.”

Because of NYC's mandate, Irving can only play Nets road games and the earliest he can play is their Jan. 5 tipoff against the Indiana Pacers. However, being away from the team due to the protocols may have pushed back Irving’s return even if just temporarily.

Despite that, Nash was optimistic that Kyrie will return soon and it’s just a matter of when all parties involved are ready.

“He’s on his way. It’s getting close. We just have to make sure that we don’t make a hasty decision, but it’s coming,” Nash said.

The Nets will take on the Clippers and then the Memphis Grizzlies at home before traveling to Indiana for the aforementioned Jan. 5 game. Without Kyrie, Brooklyn is averaging 118.6 points-per-game so far this season, which is second in the entire NBA.