Woj: Kyrie Irving Nearing Return from Suspension; Could Play for Nets vs. Grizzlies

Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who is currently suspended for promoting an antisemitic film on social media and failing to denounce antisemitism when given multiple chances to do so, may return to the team for Sunday's home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Per that report, Irving will miss Thursday's road contest against the Portland Trail Blazers, which will be his eighth consecutive game on the sidelines. He was initially suspended for at least five games, but Wojnarowski reported the point guard is "nearing completion" of the requirements set for his return.

Wojnarowski explained that Irving eventually apologized with a message on his Instagram account after he was suspended, but it "came in the wake of two news conferences and a public statement issued with the Nets that didn't include an apology or a condemnation."

Brooklyn released a list of tasks for the Duke product to accomplish before any return:

National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio suggested that Irving is nearing the completion of the process:

"Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education. He has been grappling with the full weight of the impact of his voice and actions, particularly in the Jewish community. Kyrie rejects Antisemitism in any form, and he's dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding. He plans to continue this journey well into the future to ensure that his words and actions align with his pursuit of truth and knowledge."

Wojnarowski noted NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Nets governor Joe Tsai each recently said they do not believe the point guard holds antisemitic beliefs after meeting with him, however, Silver also said, "Whether or not he is antisemitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content."

While Marc Stein reported the NBPA may look to file a grievance at some point if a return date for Irving cannot be finalized, it seems like he will rejoin the Nets after their four-game road trip ends Thursday.

The team is 2-6 with him and 4-3 without him this season, although it struggled mightily the last time out during an ugly 153-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

The defense looked lost throughout the game against the Kings, and the Nets appeared to be nowhere close to being a true contender. Their position in the standings suggests that as well considering they are 6-9 and sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.

It seems like Brooklyn will have one of its key pieces back in the near future, though, as it looks to turn its season around.