The situation with the Brooklyn Nets is one that the basketball world is following closely. Will Kyrie Irving be eligible to suit up for the team at home games this NBA season?
Right now, Irving is ineligible because it is presumed that he has not received his COVID-19 vaccination. New York, along with San Francisco, have mandates in place that only vaccinated individuals can partake in indoor events.
So, for the Nets, that means no one unvaccinated can practice or play inside the city. That player will miss at least 41 games in the regular season, as they will not be allowed to play in the Barclays Center. They would likely miss the two games against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden as well, as they are under the same mandate.
It has been something that no one on the Nets has really talked about. Irving has asked for privacy on the matter and will discuss it when needed. When that time will be is anyone’s guess, as Irving was not present at media day or the team’s first practice.
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Kevin Durant recently spoke about the situation involving his teammate, expressing that he believes Kyrie Irving will be part of the team.
The Nets are certainly between a rock and a hard place. Irving is not required to get the vaccination, but there are clear ramifications if he does not. He would be leaving his team out to dry for half the season and forfeit nearly $15 million in salary.
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The Golden State Warriors had the same situation with Andrew Wiggins, who was also unvaccinated at the beginning of camp. However, he received his and is now eligible to play in every game during the season.
The Brooklyn Nets are hoping Kyrie Irving eventually does the same, as he is a key piece of their team. It is already difficult to win an NBA Championship. Doing so without a star player and starting point guard would make it that much more difficult.
