Kenny Atkinson pleased with Kyrie Irving’s progression

Since he addressed the media on Saturday, Kyrie Irving has made significant progress toward a return to game action.

On Thursday, the Brooklyn Nets superstar point guard was a full participant at practice. This means he took part in 5-on-5 for the first time since he was first sidelined after Brooklyn’s game against the Denver Nuggets on November 14.

Prior to Friday’s game at Barclays Center against the Miami Heat, Kenny Atkinson informed reporters Irving’s shoulder responded well and the point guard will go through 5-on-5 again during Saturday’s practice, per Malika Andrews of ESPN.

As for how Brooklyn’s head coach feels about where things stand with Irving, he told reporters, “I’m pleased with how we’re progressing,” per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Kenny Atkinson said that Kyrie Irving’s shoulder responded well to playing 5-on-5 for the first time yesterday. Historically, a concern for the Nets in bringing back injured players is how they respond to an increased workload. Irving will go through 5-on-5 again on Saturday.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 10, 2020

Atkinson on Kyrie Irving: “I’m pleased with how we’re progressing.” Says he’ll work out to tomorrow and be evaluated after that. #nets

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 10, 2020

When it comes to his timetable, Irving expressed on Thursday he wants to be back within a week. Atkinson couldn’t provide any further information, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic.