NEW YORK -- Kyrie Irving, who suffered a facial fracture during a pickup game Tuesday, did not participate in the Brooklyn Nets' first day of training camp Saturday.
Coach Kenny Atkinson said Irving's absence was more of a precautionary move, but he did not offer a timetable for the point guard's return to practice. Atkinson did say that Irving will wear a protective mask when he does return.
When practice was opened to media, Irving was shooting on the far hoop with Kevin Durant.
Atkinson said both players offered advice to their teammates throughout practice.
"They we're watching what we were doing, pulling players to the side and talking about strategy," Atkinson said. "They are hoop junkies."
Durant, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, also did not practice.
