The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly trying to reach a decision on how to handle Kyrie Irving’s uncertain situation as he continues to decline the COVID-19 vaccine despite a mandate in New York City that prevents him from playing home games.
“This is a real moment of truth for the Nets as an organization,” said Adrian Wojnarowski during an appearance on ESPN. “When you look at their stakeholders there, obviously owner Joe Tsai and Sean Marks their general manager… But Kevin Durant and James Harden, who have a tremendous voice in this. All together, they’re going to part of that decision about whether they’re going to allow Kyrie Irving if he doesn’t get vaccinated and is ineligible to play home games or be able to play at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, are they going to let him be a part time player? Are they going to let him in and out of the lineup the whole season? Miss games in the playoffs that are at home? Or are they going to tell him that ‘You’re either going to be a full time player; we’re not accepting 40 some odd games this season from you. We don’t want the distraction. We need you to get vaccinated to play.’
“That’s the question hanging over the Nets right now. If Kyrie Irving doesn’t get vaccinated, that’s the decision they’re going to have to make. I think there’s a lot riding on Kyrie Irving’s short-term future in Brooklyn, but his long-term future.”
