Kyrie Irving expected to return from suspension Sunday vs. Grizzlies

Alex Kennedy
Nov 18 2022

Kyrie Irving's suspension is coming to an end after eight games.

The Brooklyn Nets are expected to clear Irving ahead of Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Irving was suspended by the Nets after he tweeted out an Amazon link to the documentary "Hebrews to Negros: Wake Up Black America," which features antisemitic content. 

In order to return to the team, the Nets mandated that Irving complete the following steps:

1) Apologize and condemn the film.

2) Make a $500,000 donation to anti-hate causes.

3) Complete sensitivity training.

4) Complete antisemitism training.

5) Meet with the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish leaders.

6) Meet with Tsai to “demonstrate an understanding of the situation.”

This was controversial, as it was an unprecedented punishment for an NBA player. Not only has Irving completed all six steps, he has reportedly "gone above and beyond" what was asked of him by the Nets.

Kyrie recently posted a lengthy apology on Instagram. He also met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Nets owner Joe Tsai, who both stated that Irving isn't antisemitic. 

"Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education," National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN. "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."

This season, Irving has averaged 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.6 threes, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks, while shooting 45.3% from the field, 28.0% from three and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

The Nets are 7-9, which is the 11th-best record in the Eastern Conference. The team went 5-3 without Irving. Brooklyn has the NBA's 10th-ranked offense (scoring 110.9 points per 100 possessions) and 15th-ranked defense (allowing 109.2 points per 100 possessions).