What started as an injury Kyrie Irving was able to play through in Brooklyn’s loss to the Denver Nuggets has developed into something far more problematic.
From the start, the Nets have diagnosed Irving’s injury as a right shoulder impingement. Up until recently, the Nets point guard has been day-to-day, but now Irving expected to miss Brooklyn’s next three games, including what was supposed to be his return to Boston on Thanksgiving Eve.
Prior to Brooklyn’s 101-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets, Kenny Atkinson told reporters “I don’t think it’s a long-term thing, [but] I wouldn’t say we’re being over-cautious. … I don’t think he can play through it right now quite honestly.”
Atkinson also added, “The shoulder is just sensitive, especially for a point guard, like a quarterback.”
Although Atkinson doesn’t feel the Nets are being “over-cautious,” it may be the right course of action. Penn Medicine’s director of Sports Shoulder Dr. John Kelly IV told Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, “The longer he experiences pain not relieved by rest, the more likely surgery will be indicated.” based on his understanding of the “impingement” diagnosis. (Kelly has not dealt with Irving throughout his injury process.)
Kelly also added, “There is a high likelihood that Mr. Irving has a labral tear or loosening of the shoulder capsule due to repetitive stress.”