Kyrie Irving returns to the Brooklyn Nets lineup Wednesday night after a seven-game absence, one that has drawn criticism from many for his actions during that sabbatical.
Nets GM Sean Marks jumped on with Carton & Roberts Wednesday afternoon, though, and admitted that Kyrie owned his mistake in one regard, that being the video showing him at a large birthday gathering without a mask.
“We were disappointed, without a doubt, but I talked to Ky about it, and he apologized to us,” Marks said. “He owned it, and showed the humility and vulnerability to say he was wrong. He knows where we stand on that, but we have to be able to trust each other. We’re all in this together, trying to get to the finish line.”
Irving has only cited “a lot of personal and family stuff” as the reason for his absence, and reportedly, certain people in the organization only had certain levels of knowledge about it at various times. Those conversations will stay behind closed doors, but they are happening still as Irving returns.
“We’re always checking on all our players. When a guy reaches out for help, we have to be there; it’s about being available to the player and supporting him. Sometimes there are hard conversations, but a lot of these things happen in private,” Marks said. “We’ve had conversations over the past 10 days, and they go from a level of concern to how we can help this young man the best we can. It would be pretty naïve and callous of us to come out and say we’re pissed off – we play a game here, and when there are matters that need to be addressed that need to stay close to the vest, we do that. I had a terrific conversation with Ky this morning, and he’s looking forward to getting back out there with his team.”
Those conversations will also continue not only with Irving but with everyone else, Marks says, because he understands that sometimes, the game is, indeed, just a game.
“Without a doubt, all of us, if we look within ourselves, there are times we need to step back and recharge or refocus,” Marks said. “All we can do is support Ky, and make sure we’re doing everything we can to help him. He’s showing commitment to helping himself and getting back out there, and we’ll continue to support him and do everything we can to put the best group of guys out there.”
And, despite a perceived breakdown in communication, or lack thereof, throughout this whole situation, Marks thinks he and Kyrie are not only on the same page, but in the same paragraph.
“I honestly think our level of communication is better now than it was when we signed him, and I hope it continues to improve,” Marks said. “We all hope our relationship will continue to grow, and we can have honest conversations with each other. It doesn’t mean we have to like the conversations, but we have to respect them and move forward, because there’s a greater goal here.”
Listen to Marks’ entire conversation with Carton & Roberts below!
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