The Brooklyn Nets are rolling right now, sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-8. They are 1.5 games clear of the second-place Milwaukee Bucks, as they have overcome some adversity this NBA season when it comes to players missing games.
Joe Harris recently underwent surgery on his ankle that threw the rotation for a loop. As a result, the team has been relying heavily on Kevin Durant and James Harden to carry the load offensively.
The team has also been without starting point guard Kyrie Irving for the duration of the season. However, that could be changing sooner than later.
Irving has been away from the team because he remains without the COVID-19 vaccine. Because of mandates in New York City, he was deemed ineligible to play in games at Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden. He is allowed to practice with the team and play in road games should the Nets allow it.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Aggressively Pursue Trade For Nets’ Kyrie Irving
Before the regular season tipped off, the organization decided that Irving would not play in any games until fully eligible. They did not want to deal with the distractions that would come with Irving being a part-time player and made the tough decision to keep him away from the team until he could play in every game.
Alas, it sounds as if something may have changed recently. According to sources at The Athletic, a prescription-based website, there is increasing optimism that Irving will be returning to the team.
“It remains unclear whether Irving’s potential return this season would come via vaccination to meet New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement or by Brooklyn opening the door for him to play road games and practice at home, but sources have indicated a renewed belief that Irving could play this season after all. Nets players and coaches want to have Irving rejoin the team as soon as possible. In recent weeks, Irving and Kevin Durant, his co-star and close friend, have had increased communication about his fit on the team, breaking down the games, and about life in general, sources added. There appears to be an increased level of enthusiasm between the two superstars.”
It would be odd for the Nets to renege on their stance from earlier in the season that Irving would have to be fully eligible before returning to the court to play. They would lose a lot of their credibility changing course now and are likely hoping that the mandates are adjusted to allow him to play.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Aggressively Pursue Trade For Nets’ Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving getting the vaccine to become eligible or the mandate changing would be the course of least resistance for Brooklyn. January 1st, when Mayor-elect Eric Adams takes over office is a date the Brooklyn Nets and their fans will be paying close attention to as it is likely the soonest any amendments to the mandate will occur.
