Kyrie Irving is kicking off the 2022-23 season with a major milestone.
The 30-year-old guard and his family welcomed a new baby this week, Nets coach Steve Nash shared Wednesday with reporters, one day before Brooklyn faces the Miami Heat in a preseason game. Nash said it is unclear if Irving will play in the game, according to ESPN’s Nick Friedell.
Irving, who had an interesting offseason with the team — along with pal Kevin Durant — welcomed a baby boy with influencer Marlene Wilkerson last year, with Wilkerson posting a video in June 2021 that featured clips from her pregnancy journey and home birth.
Irving also has a daughter, Azurie Elizabeth, from a previous relationship.
In August, Irving posted a touching tribute to Wilkerson on Instagram.
“Happy Journey around the UNIVERSE Mama Bear,” the seven-time NBA All-Star began. “I love you and I am eternally grateful we get to spend our lives together. You have taught me so much about Balance, Love, Trust, Community and Forgiveness. 🥂’s to More memories and laughter with you.”
Irving is returning to the Nets after opting into the final year of his contract. He recently reflected on the drama-filled offseason, which saw Durant request a trade out of Brooklyn.
“Being in the middle of it, it was kind of like a clusterf–k,” Irving said last month. “All of this — all of the stories. We’ve come up with all of the narratives surrounding this team that it’s hard to answer every single question.”
The Nets are looking to bounce back this year after a first-round playoff ouster to the Celtics in back in April. The Nets open the season at home against the Pelicans on Oct. 19.
