The situation with the Brooklyn Nets is one that has dominated headlines in the NBA world for a few days now. Waves were made when it became public knowledge that Kyrie Irving was unvaccinated as he didn’t participate in the Nets’ media day and was not present when they began training camp practices.
Because of the mandate in New York City, which is the same for San Francisco and Los Angeles, Irving is ineligible to participate in home games at Barclays Center and games at Madison Square Garden until he is vaccinated. The Nets’ practice facility was deemed a private building, so he could practice with the team.
That ultimately ended up not mattering as the Nets decided that they would not allow him to be a part-time player. Until he is eligible as a full-time player, Irving is not going to be playing for the Nets.
That has caused a widespread reaction, as it sounds as if Irving has no plans on getting vaccinated any time soon. The Nets could very well be without their starting point guard for the duration of the season. The postseason could have been the last time that he suited up for the Nets, as he can opt-out of his contract next summer. Brooklyn pulled the contract offer off the table as well, making things even more contentious.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Players For Brooklyn Nets To Consider In Kyrie Irving Trade
His teammate, Kevin Durant, still believes a positive situation can be worked out for Irving and the team.
“It’s on me to just focus on me, and do my job, and let those two parties handle that situation. I want our whole team together, and I want us to be at full strength, but sometimes it don’t work out that way. But I am still positive that things will work out the best for both parties.”
Durant can be as positive as he wants, but if Irving would not commit to taking the vaccine already, it is hard to imagine that he will change his mind any time soon. But, as he stated, this is something out of their control.
“Who am I to get upset at that? Just focus on what we got in this locker room,” he said. “When [Irving] is ready, I am sure he will talk to [team owner] Joe [Tsai] and [general manager] Sean [Marks] and they’ll figure it out and they’ll tell us. Until then we are going to keep grinding.”
Irving is not with the team, so there is no reason to divert energy and attention toward it. Kevin Durant the Brooklyn Nets have championship aspirations.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 Players For Brooklyn Nets To Consider In Kyrie Irving Trade
While it would be easier to achieve that goal with Irving on the court, the team has to worry about the players that are committed full-time and focus on putting them in the best position to succeed and win games.
