At 2:44 PM. ET on Oct. 27, about five hours prior to the Brooklyn Nets They were ready to take on Dallas Mavericks At home Kyrie Irving Send a tweet by hitting send.
Without any text, the post was an Amazon link for a movie called “Hebrews To Negroes Wake Up Black America,” which focuses on Holocaust denial and antisemitic tropes. The backlash and fallout started soon after, with the 12-year-old veteran again unwittingly engulfing both the Brooklyn Nets, and the NBA in a controversy transcending the game. Many felt scared, according to team sources. all-too familiar feeling During Irving’s three and a half-year tenure with the Nets.
Irving did not apologize or say whether he held antisemitic views two days later. Another news conference was held a week later. This happened because of internal and external pressures. Irving didn’t apologize nor answer clearly if he was antisemitic again — as many within the Nets and league office hoped. Irving was later suspended for at minimum five games without pay. Later, the Nets organization released a statement saying Irving was “currently ineligible to be associated” with the Brooklyn Nets. Irving apologized on Instagram hours later after being suspended.
Here’s a look at his return. It was a remarkable two-week experience unlike any in league history.
Tuesday, November 15, Sacramento, Golden1 Center
Irving was suspended thirteen days ago — and returned to the Nets five day later
Backup Guard Patty Mills He has been in NBA for 14 seasons, but can’t recall any stretch as good as this one.
In addition to Irving’s uncertainty and the adjustment still being made under Jacque Vanaughn, the team just gave up a season-high of 153 points to a young coach. Sacramento Kings team. Nets players are seen in the visitors’ locker room as they get ready for a team meal at a Chinese restaurant.
Mills stated that the Nets’ most recent ups and downs were a “first for me”.
Brooklyn’s win over the LA Clippers A few days before, the Nets lost two straight games. The Nets have lost two consecutive games, the first being a 2-10. Los Angeles Lakers Without the team LeBron James The second team to this Kings was the one that opened the season with a Las Vegas win-over of 33.5 wins.
Nets swingman Ben SimmonsHe called the performance “unacceptable,” after he had scored 11 points in the first half and grabbed five rebounds from the bench.
Irving’s absence is a shadow over everyone and everything.
“It is a lot of adversity. It feels like [one] Mills stated that there was always one adversity after another. “I believe that you can expect this to pay off at some point. Things teach us a lot. We learn about ourselves so that we can get out of it.
Thursday, Nov. 17, Portland, Oregon, Moda Center
Fiveteen days into his suspension, and three days before he returns
The news that Irving would be returning to the game against the Eagles came a day after Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reported it. Memphis GrizzliesThe Nets are in Portland Oregon, where it is much more sunny. Nets star forward after players and coaches have finished their morning exercise in the arena. Kevin Durant He discusses his colleague’s return and promises that the group will experience a “much-needed spark”.
A few hours later, Portland Trail Blazers Chauncey Bilups, coach of the league, offers his view on the Irving controversy. It is one that many in the league share.
Billups said, “They’re going though a lot over there.” It seems that they are always going through a lot, Billups said. This makes me grateful for my team. In my career, I have never experienced such mistrust and dysfunction.
Just a few hours later, Durant’s Nets led by Simmons and another strong performance from Simmons earned their most impressive win of the season. Veteran Royce O’Neale With a last-second tip in, he seals victory and his first career triple double. The staff and players are able to smile and laugh while returning to their hotel to catch a flight early in the morning to New York. It is obvious that the relief is palpable. This is perhaps their last game without Irving.
Vaughn stated that if a coach could create a game that ended up winning, it was a win. “Our team showed determination, staying together, and enjoying the moment. Continue reading to find out more about our group. At the end of each day, we played hard.
Sunday, Nov. 20, HSS Training Facility, New York
18 days after his suspension, and the morning of he his return
The Nets’ morning shootaround was anything but normal. Although Irving is expected to play on the night, he is listed in question. Media members arrive at the practice facility and are directed to a conference area where Irving will address his suspension. Irving had been interviewed earlier in the day by SNY. said he was “deeply” apologetic For the damage his social media posts have caused, he stated that he was “not Antisemitic” for the first camera.
Each passing moment brings more tension to the room. Irving comes in with several prominent guests, including Tamika Tremeglio, executive director at the NBPA, and Shetellia Riley Irving, Irving’s stepmother. Sean Marks, general manager of the Nets, watches carefully from the back.
Irving stated, “As I reflect back, I see that when I had the chance to offer my deepest regrets to anyone who felt threatened or hurt by what I posted,” it wasn’t my intention at all. I did not intend to cause harm to anyone, or any group of people. This is a significant moment in my life because it allows me to see that the power of my voice can be very powerful. I am a strong influence in my community. That is why I want to take responsibility. We must be honest about our mistakes, and the instances in which we have hurt people and how it has affected them.
Irving spoke for over 13 minutes. A few seconds later, Irving was officially cleared by the Nets to play against Memphis that evening.
Sunday, Nov. 20, Barclays Center, New York
Hours before and after tipoff
As fans and others walk past the Atlantic Ave./Barclays Center subway station, the purple shirts become evident. Fans are milling about the plaza on a grey, cold evening. A number of Israel United in Christ members chant in part and stand in formation along Atlantic Avenue’s left side. “We are real Jews!” The plaza is crowded with men who are handing out flyers featuring headlines such as “The Truth About Anti-Semitism”, and “The Truth About Slavery” — they can be seen walking around the area. The demonstrators a hate group as designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center — They claim that Irving is supported by them.
Irving scores 14 points at the arena after his return to the game against a Grizzlies team without star. Ja Morant. Irving returns to the lectern after the game. Many Nets employees watch with anticipation and fear. These last two meetings have not gone as planned. Irving says he never doubted he would be back with the team, but he doesn’t want to talk about the events surrounding that return.
He stated, “I think it’s a conversation to another day.” “I’m only here to focus on this game.”
He was again asked about the demonstrators who were chanting his name.
“I’m here to concentrate on the game.”
Later, he is asked about the platform and its use that got him and the Nets into so much controversy.
Irving stated that she would like to share her feelings on a platform where they are not criticized or labeled. Or dealing with external perceptions that have nothing do with me.”
A nervous Nets PR worker ends the news conference after just over four minutes. Watch as Irving’s first day back to work is a success. This is thanks to the support of many people within the organization who saw the damage his posts and subsequent actions had caused and were given the task of repairing it.
Irving stated that it felt good to win this game. “Now we can move on with the remainder of the season.”
Tuesday, November 22nd, Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia
Two days have passed since Irving’s return
It is perhaps the most anticipated matchup this season. Simmons returns to Philadelphia after more than a full year. Irving will also be playing his first match on the road since his suspension.
Simmons, 26, seems relaxed meeting with the media before the game. When Simmons was asked if it would be anticlimactic for him to face a Sixers team without his wife, he said that it would. Joel Embiid, James Harden And Tyrese MaxeySimmons is quick to respond.
“The fans are going to make up for it,” he stated. It’s something I look forward to. It’s going be great.
Simmons, who has 11 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds on the floor, nearly scores a triple double. But the Nets couldn’t defeat the starless Sixers, falling 115 to106. The absurdity of the season and the last two weeks are brought to light, this time through a news conference.
Vaughn speaks first. Vaughn is frustrated by the inconsistency of his team’s efforts. He demands it straight. He said, “There’s no way that we’re going win games if you don’t play hard each possession, every night.” “It’s that simple. We’ll play those guys who are willing to work hard.”
Irving steps up to the podium shortly after, apparently unaffected by his loss. Before he takes his place at podium, he declares “I’m an unattached man”, before detailing the team’s lackluster attention to detail.
Next, Durant. He is clearly disappointed and has to answer again for his inept performance.
“It’s exactly the same s Durant said.[They had] We have 20 more shots and seven more 3-pointers than we do. That’s it.
A few minutes later, Simmons appears, sporting the calm of a man who knows that he has cleared another obstacle on his way to recovery.
Simmons said, “I believed it was going to get louder.”
Wednesday, Nov. 23, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Irving’s return four days later and a trip across Canada
Irving is playing in Toronto for the very first time in almost three years. The fans were there to let him know from the moment he was introduced in the Nets’ starting line-up. Irving was not allowed to play in New York City’s home games last season due to citywide vaccine mandates. However, Irving is more comfortable choosing Toronto over any other city on the NBA circuit. Toronto is the only city where Irving can cross into Canada legally without having been vaccinated until recent.
Irving doesn’t seem to be bothered by the boos. He scores 29 points in just 28 minutes. The Nets beat a Raptors team with only 10 healthy players. Irving addresses the city after the game.
Irving told reporters, “I love Toronto.” “It’s great.”
Friday, November 25, Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
Irving’s return to the United States is now six days and three games in.
Nineteen games into this turbulent season — which featured a players-only meeting just before Halloween, coaching changes, lingering injuries, poor play from Simmons, Irving, and promoting an antisemitic movie — the Nets are now in Indiana to face off against the Pacers.
The game is a metaphor, as has become standard. The Nets take a double-digit lead at halftime, but then it falls apart, falling by 11 to a Pacers team that was considering trading two of their starters.
After the team’s 10th road match of the month, the locker room is quiet and staffers are preparing to leave. Irving FaceTiming his family, attempts to keep the mood lightening, passing dejected Nets personnel and teammates as they move into another room for the postgame meal. Irving breaks into song unexpectedly as Durant, along with his teammates, sits in Durant’s corner locker stall. “Ohhh, sweet yams!” He sings while he fills his plate. “Sweet, sweet yams …”
Irving finishes his meal and offers his most honest review of the night, while discussing the team’s seven-game homestand.
Irving said, “This is essential to our season.” “Just to be in a position to build great habits at the home. As we have been doing. But now we will be tested. It’s not hard for us to play basketball.