Players across the NBA were hit hard by the death of Kobe Bryant, as was the case with many athletes outside of basketball. But Bryant and his daughter’s passing in a helicopter accident on Sunday has impacted those who knew the Lakers legend personally on another level.
Among those who knew Bryant so well was Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving.
Following the news of his mentor’s passing, Irving was unable to perform in Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden and left after learning the news. Kenny Atkinson expressed the news hit Irving hard, but the Nets coach would not share further details with reporters on Sunday.
#Nets HC Kenny Atkinson says Kyrie Irving is “tremendously affected” by Kobe’s death. He spent 20-25 minutes w him Sunday after learning the news. Says Kyrie practiced today. And he was intense, engaged. Kenny won’t “speak for Kyrie) or confirm but looks like might play tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/R8u78ZSuWt
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) January 28, 2020
Irving was back with the team on Tuesday. Reporters were informed by the team the point guard did practice. However, Atkinson does not know if Irving will play in the Nets’ game against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center on Wednesday, per Ian Begley of SNY.