The Kyrie-Nets saga has reached it's breaking point, Paul Pierce calls out Kawhi Leonard, and we take an early look at college basketball games to mark on your calendar. 

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KYRIE

Behind the scenes of Kyrie's suspension

The Kyrie Irving saga has reached its breaking point, for now, anyway. Irving was recently suspended for a minimum of five games and has been instructed to complete a series of tasks before he’s eligible to rejoin the team. According to Shams Charania, these actions include apologizing/condemning the movie, a $500K donation to anti-hate causes, sensitivity training, antisemitic training, meeting with the ADL and Jewish leaders, and meeting with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding. Here’s how the Nets and Joe Tsai arrived at this conclusion.

The whole world was waiting for Irving's punishment in the wake of his harmful actions and refusal to accept any wrongdoing, but the reason for the delay was Joe Tsai’s doing. Tsai tried to be patient and wanted to teach Irving why his actions were so harmful in the hope of creating real change. But after those actions were rebuffed, which included Irving leaving Tsai on read for multiple text messages, Tsai had no choice but to act.

Whether Irving intends to cooperate with the Nets’ list remains to be seen, but until then, he will remain “unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets." After the suspension was announced, Irving issued an apology on Instagram; however, Nets GM Sean Marks feels that while it was a "step in the right direction" it was "certainly not enough."

NCAAM

Mark your calendars for these NCAA games

College basketball season starts tonight! There’s no shortage of incredible games on the horizon, but if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few nonconference matchups coming up this month that you don’t want to miss.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

On November 11th, the number 2 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs do battle with Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans at the San Diego Naval Air Station. While MSU isn’t ranked in the Top 25 to open the season, this team has the pedigree and reputation to give Gonzaga a run for their money.

Duke Blue Devils vs. Kansas Jayhawks

Not only is this a battle between the number five and number seven best teams in the nation, but it’s Duke’s first major test in the post-Coach K era. Fortunately for Duke, they boast the number one recruiting class in the nation between Dereck Lively II, Dariq Whitehead, Tyrese Proctor, and Kyle Filipowski and should be up for the challenge.

Virginia Cavaliers vs. Baylor Bears

The Virginia Cavaliers may only be ranked the 18th best team in the nation, but some analysts believe they have a real shot at the Final Four, and a good showing against the number five Bears will go a long way in proving it. These two teams and their future Hall of Fame coaches don’t play each other often, so make sure you tune in.

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Indiana Hoosiers

The Tar Heels are the preseason number-one team in the nation, and this matchup with the Hoosiers is their first-ranked opponent of the year. We could end our pitch there, but the reality is any time Armando Bacot and Trayce Jackson-Davis share the floor, you simply have to check it out.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Paul Pierce has a problem with Kawhi Leonard

Paul Pierce has never been one to hide how he feels, and that was on full display during a recent podcast appearance. While on former teammate Kevin Garnett’s KD Certified show, Pierce criticized Kawhi Leonard for his availability or lack thereof.

He said: “we don't say nothing about [Leonard] always being in street clothes,” and “we don't hold Kawhi accountable enough.” Pierce went on to explain that because of Leonard’s lack of availability, he feels that in terms of greatness, he shouldn’t be in the same conversation as LeBron and KD.

There’s no denying Kawhi’s incredible impact on both ends of the court, but between various injuries and load management, he’s missed quite a few games as a Clipper. Leonard played in only 109 games in his first three seasons and is currently injured again after playing in just the first two games of the season.

THE RUMOR MILL

Steve Clifford said he invited Steve Nash to come to Charlotte to hang around and "spend a few days with us and kind of watch and give me his thoughts on things."

Pascal Siakam out at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a right adductor strain.

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