LAS VEGAS — Disgruntled Nets star Kyrie Irving confirmed as much as watch Las Vegas Summer season League video games — however not both of his crew’s tilts.
Protégé Cam Thomas — who was taken underneath the wing of each Irving and Kevin Durant throughout his rookie marketing campaign — mentioned his relationship with Irving stands as it's regardless of all of the uncertainty surrounding the All-Star’s return to the Nets.
“Kyrie’s my man. No matter’s his decisions, that’s a alternative,” Thomas mentioned. “So I nonetheless maintain involved with him. That’s my man. So no matter he does, that’ll nonetheless be my man, my brother. So, it's what it's; it’s a part of the enterprise.”
Thomas mentioned he hasn’t caught up with Irving right here, and he hasn’t tried, both.
“No, I ain’t talked to him. I’m targeted on what I’m doing. He’s doing what he’s doing, I’m doing what I’m doing. I’m fearful extra about taking part in than connecting with someone.”
It didn’t go unnoticed that Irving skipped the Nets’ Friday opener in opposition to Milwaukee, attending the Detroit-Washington and Oklahoma Metropolis-Houston video games Saturday night time at Thomas & Mack Area. He didn’t attend the Nets’ win over Philadelphia on Sunday.
“Yeah. I imply, that’s on him. I don’t actually care; he can come watch, or he don’t must. I’m going to nonetheless do my factor. We’re nonetheless gonna play; it doesn’t matter who’s watching,” Thomas mentioned. “That’s a part of basketball. That’s his alternative. I don’t actually care what he do with that. However it's what it's.”
Ben Simmons, nevertheless — whom the Nets acquired on the commerce deadline after he held out in Philadelphia, citing psychological well being points — did attend the Nets’ win over the Sixers. He declined to talk with media members about his again surgical procedure, rehab or present mind-set. However Thomas did say it meant loads to have Simmons readily available.
“Yeah that’s huge to have someone of that stature come out and help us because the younger guys. That makes us really feel good. It makes us glad to play,” Thomas mentioned. “So kudos to Ben for popping out right here and watching us play.”
David Duke Jr. — who's in search of a typical roster spot after rejecting a two-way — had 21 factors and 5 assists, ending a plus-17. He credited Blake Griffin with prodding him to be much less hesitant and belief his personal aggression.
Day’Ron Sharpe had 13 factors and 11 rebounds, with the Nets making extra of an effort to search out the second-year middle. He had a thunderous fourth-quarter dunk, taking a tough spill afterward however shaking it off to complete the sport.
Nets head coach Steve Nash was inducted within the Canadian Basketball Corridor of Fame however flew into Las Vegas to observe Sunday’s sport.
After failing to notch an help in his debut, Alondes Williams bounced again with 9 factors, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. The rookie level guard had three turnovers however added a block, a steal and completed plus-10 — second-best on the crew.
“It’s going to get higher and higher,” Nets assistant coach Adam Caporn mentioned. “You'll be able to simply see that he can really feel the entire ground. And he’s additionally getting used to the protection, NBA size and velocity and issues like that. And a brand new offense. I feel the passing is tremendous thrilling. We’re going to see some actually thrilling issues within the passing sport for certain.”
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