A timeline of Kyrie Irving’s recent absence from the Brooklyn Nets

ESPN TV personality Stephen A. Smith called on Brooklyn Nets goalie Kyrie Irving to retire from basketball on Wednesday morning.

“Obviously you don’t want to play basketball bad enough,” Smith said in a long tirade on ESPN’s first take. “… Kyrie Irving didn’t prioritize basketball. I’m not saying he doesn’t want to play completely. I’m saying he didn’t prioritize it. Is it fair for the Brooklyn Nets? Is it fair to Sean Marks? How is that fair for Steve Nash, a coach he approved to join? … Is it fair to his brother, Kevin Durant?

The situation in Brooklyn quickly deteriorated. Brooklyn’s dominating victory over the Celtics, which led many observers to crown the Nets as an Eastern favorite, is fading in the rearview mirror. Now Brooklyn is 4-6 in its last 10 games and only seventh in the East. The Nets again mortgaged their future to bet on the present, acquiring James Harden in exchange for almost all of their interim capital.

So how did things deteriorate so quickly, to the point where a top sports expert called on one of the NBA’s most convincing players to retire?

A chronology of recent events.

January 5: Irving scores 29 points as Brooklyn beats Utah.

Irving shot 12-19 from the ground as the Nets rolled the Jazz 130-96.

January 7: Kyrie Irving misses a game for personal reasons.

Irving attended a game for personal reasons a day after a violent crowd stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington. Some have linked the two events together. Other reports suggested that his anger at the Nets organization had been growing for some time.

In both cases, Nets head coach Steve Nash told reporters he contacted Irving and had no response, but Irving’s absence was a “private matter.”

January 10: Nash made contact

Nash told reporters on Sunday that he was unsure of Irving’s return.

“Ky is still on personal leave and all communication with Ky between the organization, I will keep confidentiality,” Nash told reporters. “I’m sure you’ll hear from him at some point.”

Later that evening, Durant told reporters that the Nets are “100%” backing Irving.

January 11: Irving was ruled out again against Denver

Once again, the team ruled Irving out a day before a game. As COVID cases increased across the league, some wondered if Irving was just trying to avoid infection.

January 12: Irving is seen at a club with his sister

On Tuesday, Irving was seen partying with his sister at a club for her birthday without a mask. It violated the NBA’s COVID protocol and – pending investigation – could force him into quarantine, slashing part of his salary this season.

Nets chief executive Sean Marks released a statement regarding the video, saying, “We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family reunion. We are reviewing the circumstances with Kyrie and the NBA to determine adherence to health and safety protocols. “

Marks added that Irving has stayed away from the squad for personal reasons and a return date has yet to be finalized.

“Kyrie will have a chance to speak about his absence when he’s ready to do so,” Marks wrote in the statement.

Nash was asked if he is convinced Irving will return this season.

“Of course,” Nash said.

January 13: Nets trade for James Harden

The Nets pulled off a successful trade on Wednesday, offering the Houston Rockets seven picks / picks as part of a package that won them James Harden.

Brooklyn ruled Irving out for his game against the Knicks on Wednesday afternoon. Nash was then asked about Irving’s continued absence.

“I have not had the opportunity to know new details about Kyriethe situation, ”Nash said. “I will be counting on the front office to find out more as I go.”