Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has denied any connection between Kyrie Irving’s tragic ACL injury and his increased playing time since the Luka Doncic trade.
The NBA internet was very quick to draw parallels between Irving’s increased minutes since Luka was traded and Irving’s left ACL tear.
In the ten games leading up to the season-ending injury, Irving was averaging 39.3 minutes – the most of any player in the league and up from 35.9 minutes before that stretch.
But Kidd doesn’t like to think the two are linked.
“We’re talking about one play,” Kidd said. “Not many before that. It’s a freak accident, that’s how it should be reported. We’re reporting on conspiracy theories. We want our stars to play. This isn’t supposed to be a rest league.”
The 32-year-old had been the Mavs’ shining light this season and was the most consistent player, suiting up for 50 out of the team’s 62 games.
“Kai is our leader,” Kidd said. “Kai also was playing at a high level; maybe some of the best basketball that he’s played in his career. We can’t talk from both sides and say our stars don’t play enough minutes and guys don’t play enough. They rest. But now we’re saying they play too much.”
Irving addressed his fans on an Instagram live shortly after his awful end to the season and told them it’s all part of God’s plan.
“The recovery process has already started mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Just want to let you guys know I’m okay and I will be okay moving forward. I will be back. I will be better. I don’t want to question any of God’s work or God’s planning.”
He was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 36.1 minutes, and was selected to his ninth All-Star team in February.
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