FILE - Utah Jazz's Royce O'Neale, right, defends Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New York, in this Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, file photo.
Kyrie Irving rejoined the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, saying he took a leave of absence because he just needed a pause.
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)NEW YORK โ Kyrie Irving rested his chin on his arms folded in front of him, looking worn down by his fight to balance his commitment to his team and his community.
He didn't give a clear reason for his absence while speaking during a Zoom interview, telling reporters he had a lot of personal things going on.
Irving said he was happy to be back with the team, which acquired James Harden during his absence.