Kyle Korver was excused from the team on Tuesday after the death of his brother Kirk, 27, who was the youngest of four players in the family that played Division I basketball during their careers.
Korver’s absence would once again take a peg out of a balancing act the Cleveland Cavaliers have tried to pull off through a myriad of injuries down the stretch, but LeBron James offered that most of his concern was centered around his teammate.
“I don’t have any siblings, so I can’t relate,” James said, according to The Akron Beacon Journal. “But I do have sympathy not only for my brother, but for his family. It’s tragic for him to lose a little brother in the fashion that it happened. My prayers go out to the Korver family and everyone that has anything to do with his family.”
Kirk Korver was already dealing with an illness, according to interim coach Larry Drew.
“I hope he takes as much time as he needs to get back to himself, which won’t happen obviously overnight or in the next couple months or maybe in the next few years,” said James, expecting an extended absence. “The healing process starts now and we’re part of his support group. He has a lot of support here. What else can you say, it sucks.”
The Cavs could get Rodney Hood and Tristan Thompson (both listed as questionable) as soon as tonight against the East-leading Toronto Raptors, but they will have to navigate this recent stretch without Korver, who will mourn the loss of his younger brother.