On Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets released a significant statement regarding the status of All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. He will not be allowed to play or practice with the team until he’s a full participant.
“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” the Nets said. “Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.”
It was announced last week that Irving could, in theory, practice with the team because they work at a private facility. However, he wouldn’t be able to play at the Barclays Center due to New York’s current COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Instead of allowing him to strictly practice with the team, the Nets have decided to let Irving hold out until further notice. It’s unclear if their decision will change Irving’s mindset regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kyrie has made his choice about the vaccine, and the Nets have made theirs: he wont be playing https://t.co/4NhyS5nwyp
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 12, 2021
As you’d expect, the NBA world is now wondering if Irving will get vaccinated so he can rejoin his teammates.
“So…does Kyrie Irving now change his decision and get vaccinated? Or does he remain away from the team all season, or until the New York vaccine mandates change? That’s the question now,” Keith Smith of Spotrac said.
So…does Kyrie Irving now change his decision and get vaccinated? Or does he remain away from the team all season, or until the New York vaccine mandates change? That’s the question now.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 12, 2021
There are some fans who are speculating about a potential trade involving Irving. Perhaps the front office in Brooklyn will entertain trade calls.
The Simmons for Kyrie trade is making more and more sense by the day 🤷🏿♂️
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) October 12, 2021
Irving will have an important decision to make in the near future. What he’ll ultimately choose to do is anyone’s guess right now.
One thing is certain: Kyrie Irving’s status for the 2021-22 season remains up in the air.
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