NBA: Kyrie Irving Missing More Games, Nets May Need Short-Term Help

The Brooklyn Nets are keeping themselves afloat despite injuries to main players. The most notable one in the sidelines is Kyrie Irving. Uncle Drew is suffering from thoracic bursitis and has not suited up since Nov. 14.

The Nets are running 7th in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 16-13 record. Also out for the Nets are David Nwaba (ruptured Achilles) and Caris LeVert (thumb), USA Today reported. The good news is that Brooklyn was granted disabled player exception - meaning they could skim the market for available free agents. However, the exception only gives the Nets about $839,000 to spare.

Looking at the list of NBA free agents, there are several names head coach Keith Atkinson may consider. J.R. Smith, Jerryd Bayless, Corey Brewer, Luol Deng, Devin Harris, and Jodie Meeks are some of the players that the Nets could look into. If the Nets want someone who can score, their best bet would be to check out Deng or Smith. Brooklyn could use a boost, owning an offensive efficiency of 1.043 this 2019-20 NBA season.

From the mix of veterans, there is also the issue of chemistry. Brooklyn does need offensive-minded players but not at the expense of causing more chaos for the Nets. Being a short-term lease, the health and condition of that player will also be up for scrutiny.

Staying healthy has been a problem for Irving in the past years. He has missed at least 15 games the last two seasons. But when healthy, there is no question that Irving can carry the offensive load. Unfortunately for the Nets, they will have to wait two to three weeks more.

If no moves are to be done, the Nets are likely to lean on Spence Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan for now. Dinwiddie is averaging 22.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 29 games. Jordan has been doing his share, contributing 8.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Most notable for the veteran center is his ability to make passes when he posts up.

“Nah, I like being up there. The guys are doing a great job cutting. It’s just on me to make a pinpoint pass, but they make it easy for me to just pick up my dimes,” said Jordan (via NBA.com) who issues a game-high six assists against the Atlanta Hawks recently.

One can just imagine how shooters would benefit from Jordan's unselfish play. His play has helped keep the Nets afloat for now as they buy time for their ailing stars.