CLEVELAND -- From the constant travel to late-night departures and arrivals in opposing cities as well as at home, the game of basketball can be challenging, especially at the professional level, but Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Kyle Korver has found solace in it over the last month.
Korver has found peace on the court since the loss of his youngest brother, Kirk, in mid-March.
“I think it’s good to go back into work,” Korver told the media Tuesday. “It’s good to have something else to do, and something to really try at, too. That’s been the frustrating thing with my foot. I couldn’t go play really hard because that’s what I want to do, just play really hard.
“Whether it’s good or bad, just play really hard, but I couldn’t. I haven’t been able to because of this, but it’s good to have something now to sink into and just for a little bit of every day kind of get lost in and try hard at.”
In addition to the game of basketball, Korver credited “a strong faith and a strong family,” including his wife of more than six years, Juliet, for the ability to handle the passing of his youngest brother while dealing with a foot injury that has limited his impact on the court in recent weeks.
“I think I’m on a good spot on this path,” Korver said. “I feel like I’m trying to go through all of the emotions and stages and waves that people tell me about. I understand that this is a part of life, but when you go through something like this, it’s amazing how many people come up to you and talk about their own stories that they’ve had.
“There’s been so many, and while it’s hard, and it’s hard to be here, it’s been very comforting to know that you’re going through this with a lot of people and a lot of people care about you.”
Many have shared their stories of loss and remembrance with Korver since a video of the eulogy he delivered at Kirk’s memorial service was posted online, and he is grateful some have found peace by watching him honor his youngest brother.
“It’ll take a long time to see what comes of that, the good that comes from that,” Korver said. “I don’t know that I have the head space all the way right now to think about that, but it means a lot that people have received that all well and commented. I’ve been told that it’s powerful for people.”
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The Cavaliers and a network of relationships made over a 14-year career in the NBA are a part of that strong family that Korver has found solace in as of late, as “a ton of people in the basketball world,” have reached out to him since his brother’s passing.
And the response has been appreciated.
“It’s been incredible,” Korver said. “First, the Cavs, the organization, has given me…I’ve never heard of someone getting over a week to be with their family.
“They were great, but so many people and teams sent flowers and cards and notes. I got text messages from I think almost everyone in the NBA. It was overwhelming. It was incredible. The team here has been great. I can’t say enough about all of that. The list is really long, and it’s been really, really cool.”
