Though Nets coach Kenny Atkinson insisted Kyrie Irving’s shoulder impingement isn’t a long-term injury, he said the team isn’t treating the All-Star guard with kid gloves. He also admitted Irving couldn’t play right now even with the playoffs on the line, and said they’re taking the long-term view.
“I don’t think it’s a long-term thing, [but] I wouldn’t say we’re being over-cautious. He has a situation that’s prevented him from playing,” Atkinson said before a 101-91 win over Charlotte. “This a collaborative thing. We’ve talked about it before. This is the best course of action.