Brooklyn Nets star guard and big-time free-agent acquisition Kyrie Irving has missed the past 22 games with an injury to his right shoulder.
What was seemingly a minor injury has turned into a long-term absence for the NBA champion. In speaking with the media for the first time in two months on Saturday, Irving indicated that he opted for a cortisone shot in an attempt to avoid surgery.
If surgery is at some point needed, it will likely cost Irving the remainder of the season. That would obviously be a less-than-ideal scenario for the guard and his 16-17 Nets.
Irving is averaging 28.5 points and 7.2 assists on 44% shooting in 11 games this season.