Is Kyrie Irving returning to the Brooklyn Nets?
Recent reports say that New York City mayor Eric Adams is looking to lift COVID vaccine mandates in the city, meaning that Irving may soon be able to play in away games and at home with this squad.
This would mark the first time that the Nets have Irving full-time all season.
BREAKING: New York City plans to lift its vaccine mandate in the next month, clearing the way for Kyrie Irving to play home games for the Nets.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 23, 2022
The re-entry of Irving into the full-time Nets’ lineup would be a massive deal and could ultimately make them Finals contenders once again.
As you probably expected, the NBA world was abuzz after the news of Irving’s possible return.
Irving Is In
Brooklyn fans were elated at the thought of Irving playing on the court all the time again.
“Just watch how our squad comes out of this All-Star Break.” – Kyrie Irving
The Brooklyn Nets are ready for a COMEBACK! pic.twitter.com/PsMvjb6wV1
— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) February 23, 2022
As noted, this news comes just hours after Irving told a Twitch stream: “Just watch how our squad comes out of this All-Star break.”
Did Irving know something the rest of the world didn’t?
Others online joked that Irving’s return would greatly complicate newcomer Goran Dragic‘s time with the team because Irving will be ready to play a lot after so many months away from this team.
Kyrie Irving looking at Goran Dragic knowing he won't play a single minute now that he isn't part-time pic.twitter.com/N4vCBo9Mn9
— Unbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) February 23, 2022
More fans were just joyful and celebratory to hear that Irving would be back, and understandably so.
We really about to see Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant, and company at The Clays pic.twitter.com/IT6DfAmgG7
— Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) February 23, 2022
The addition of Irving is going to greatly enhance the team’s offense and take a lot of pressure off of Kevin Durant, who has been attempting to carry the team all season long.
If things go according to plan, Irving will come back right as Durant returns from injury and Ben Simmons starts to play his first games with the Nets.
I can’t wait to see @KyrieIrving play at The Clays. The energy in the building will be surreal. This is our year #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/VX711s7tBt
— Mike (@Leftfieldmike) February 23, 2022
However, some pointed out that Irving’s battle to stay unvaccinated might have turned in his favor in the end but it also hurt the team’s standing in the league.
Kyrie Irving won a power struggle against James Harden and the Mayor of New York. it also probably made his team worse #thisleague
— liam (@lgibstr) February 23, 2022
It’s a good thing Irving is coming back because the team has quite a hole to dig itself out of.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Should Be Able To Play At Home Soon