Hoops Habit
Fansided

What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Brooklyn Nets: Maybe Kyrie Irving?

Statistically speaking, Kyrie Irving is having arguably the best season of his career, posting career-highs with 27.4 points and 5.2 rebounds along with 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals a game.

It’s unfortunate, then, that the NBA has only seen 20 games of the All-Stars’ production. In his first season with the Brooklyn Nets, Irving has missed the last four games heading into the All-Star break that comes on the heels of a 26-game absence earlier in the year.

Already without Kevin Durant for the season, the Nets are in no rush to have Irving back on the court, but this season is only a lost one of the organization allows it to be.

Brooklyn is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference at 25-28 despite being among the 10-most injury-riddled teams in the NBA this season. A title seems out of reach, but building on last year’s surprising playoff appearance could better serve the team when future expectations are a bit more intense.

The Nets have talent across the roster, but whatever chance they have of a second-round appearance rest largely on the shoulders of Irving.

No one is suggesting toughing out a legitimate injury, but it sure would be nice to see one of the games premier talents return to provide some much-needed assistance for a middling Brooklyn team if Irving is indeed healthy before the end of the season.