Kyrie Irving has been sitting out the entire NBA season so far because he refuses to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
New York City regulations prevent him from playing at home.
He was eligible to practice and play on the road, but the Brooklyn Nets were not interested in him as a part-time player.
That is all changing according to a Friday night “Woj bomb.”
ESPN Sources: With the unfolding circumstances of Brooklyn’s season – including injuries, Covid losses and an inordinate minutes load on their superstar players – the Nets are bringing back All-Star guard Kyrie Irving as a part-time player for games outside of New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
The Nets are dealing with COVID-related absences and will at least allow Irving to practice in New York and play on the road.
He remains banned from playing within the city.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski goes on to explain how there is still a series of things Irving must do before playing in an actual game.
Kyrie Irving's return isn't expected quickly. He has to pass a series of Covid tests before he can start working out with team. Nets haven't seen him workout and are unclear the kind of shape he's in now. He's expected to take his time ramping up again.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
This plan is a unique one, but one that ultimately gets Irving back on the floor.
Questions Remain
So given Irving is in shape and passes a series of COVID tests, he can return for road games.
Kyrie Irving has to test negative on five successive days before he can rejoin the team. Once he returns, he will have to test every day as an unvaccinated player. https://t.co/L1RwG8GORQ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
But he will be tested every day and one positive COVID test will mean he is out again.
The big question is how this plan will work once the postseason arrives.
Will New York City make an exception for Irving?
If not, will the Nets accommodate this part-time role?
This is all new territory as the NBA and the country in general tries to figure out how to set rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Irving refusing to get a vaccine complicates this, but the Nets could always trade him if they don’t want to deal with the situation anymore.
They have remained committed to him and he will now be a road-exclusive player.
The Nets are playing fantastic basketball and are 21-8 on the year.
But both Kevin Durant and James Harden are averaging over 36 minutes per game.
The run may not be sustainable if both have such heavy workloads.
The goal is to win in the postseason, not in the middle of winter.
Necessity is what is bringing Irving back to the Nets.
But even when he does return, his presence will have an odd feel.
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