Kyrie Irving sitting half the season means he will be better rested and healthy for the postseason

One of the main reasons why the Brooklyn Nets did not win the championship last season was the fact that Kyrie Irving and James Harden were both banged up in the playoffs. Harden suffered a hamstring strain early on in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics and then in their semifinals series against the Milwaukee Bucks, Kyrie suffered a nasty-looking ankle sprain that sidelined him indefinitely. 

There is not much that could have been done to prevent these injuries, as hamstrings and ankles are common injuries throughout the course of the regular season, but staying rested could give Brooklyn an advantage. Having Irving for only 41 games means that he will be away from the team a large chunk of the season, but at the same time, he will be prepared for the Nets’ title run this season. 

You can really view this proposition both ways as a positive and a negative and both sides bring up valid points, but health has definitely been a concern in the league for the last few years. We are constantly seeing star players go down with injuries due to being overworked and fatigued, but Brooklyn would not have to worry about this in regards to Kyrie Irving if he is prepared to sit out. 

With or without Kyrie Irving always in the lineup, the Nets are still one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and still one of the best teams in the entire league with two former MVPs in Kevin Durant and James Harden.

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If Irving is still unvaccinated come playoff time and has to miss playoffs games, that could wind up being a problem for Brooklyn, but in terms of staying healthy and well-rested, this is definitely a possible advantage the Nets could be taking a look at with their All-Star guard.