Are you in the camp that has stayed op(toe)mistic? Or are you doubtful that Kyrie Irving will return to Cameron Indoor Stadium this season, much less Durham next year?
This is the video for you.
Yes, it does not conclusively say whether Irving will return. And, yes, most will likely find more interpretations in this Duke Blue Planet production than in a Thomas Pynchon novel. There does, however, seem to be no denying that Irving is nearing the end of his recovery. The few shots of Irving's toe (near the beginning of the video) show it not to be bent and without really any external damage. Irving and Duke Assistant Director of Athletic Rehab Nick Potter also strike a hopeful note multiple times in the video's three minutes and 43 seconds.
Alas, the video's closing remarks from Irving are undoubtedly vague (emphasis ours):
"There is light at the end of the tunnel. Whether I come back this year or somewhere in the future, I'm going to be playing.
Some other highlights of 'A Day of Rehab':
- Irving splashing Nolan Smith with hot water from the jacuzzi (0:31 mark)
- The revelation that Duke actually has underwater cameras in the pool that film the athletes running (1:31 mark)
- Potter saying Irving is "actually right where we expected to be at this time, if not maybe a step ahead" (2:10 mark)
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.