Kyrie Irving expected to play vs. Cavaliers after 7-game absence for 'family and personal stuff'

Kyrie Irving is finally back.

After a seven-game absence, Irving is back with the Brooklyn Nets and his teammates. Head coach Steve Nash told the media on Tuesday that Irving practiced with the team and expects him to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Kyrie’s absence due to personal matters

Irving spoke to the media on Tuesday and revealed a few details about why he was away from the team, but characteristically kept most of the information to himself. He would only say that he had “a lot of family and personal stuff going on,” and that he’s been affected by “everything going on in the world.”

As for his relationship with his teammates, Irving said that they supported him throughout his time away, and he’s had a conversation with all of them since returning. He also apologized to the fans for being away.

Irving was asked about whether he knew that he was violating the NBA’s health and safety protocols when he was recorded at a party without a face mask. He wouldn’t comment on that, saying “it’s time to move on.”

At the end of the news conference, Irving spoke about needing help to balance everything that’s been happening in his life and in the world. He took the step to reach out for help, and got more back than he thought he would.

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