Nets GM not ready to commit to Kyrie Irving long-term: ‘We need people here who want to be here’

Brooklyn Networks General Manager Sean Marks said Wednesday that the franchise has not made a decision on whether to extend the contract of goalkeeper Keri Irving, if he withdraws from his player option for the 2022-23 season and seeks a long-term extension. Marks confirmed he made a mistake when he predicted last year that they would agree to a long-term deal with Irving and James Hardenwhich did not happen.

“This is something we have been discussing and will continue to debrief and discuss throughout this season… We haven’t had any of those discussions yet,” said Marks. “We are looking for guys who want to come here and be a part of something bigger than themselves, play selfless, play collegiate basketball, and be available. This applies not only to Kyrie but to everyone here.”

Marks, at a press conference, said it was “obvious” that Irving’s absence for most of last season played a role in Brooklyn’s performance. Irving has missed all Nets home games through March 27 due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.

Brooklyn finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and swept in the opening round of the NBA playoffs against Celtics.

Irving has averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 29 games this season.

Signs also mentioned that the Nets goalkeeper / striker Ben Simmons He performed a follow-up MRI after the back pain returned before the fourth match and revealed that the hernia had enlarged, making surgery the only option.

“We will do everything we can to make it revolve around our group,” Marks said. “That’s the key.” “He should be here, smelling the gym again, around his friends, around his family and being involved in this and let’s help him build the culture together, build together, build his backup because as Steve[Nash]hinted, it’s a very big part of this.” .

(Photo: Wendell Cruz/USA Today)