The Brooklyn Nets face one of the more unique arrangements with a star player in NBA history. Right now, Kyrie Irving is unable to play at Barclays Center due to the COVID vaccine mandate that New York City has in place.
Irving missed most of the start of the 2021-22 season and after the Delta and Omicron variants further raised concerns for many local municipalities around the United States, it seems highly unlikely for there to be a change to policy anytime soon.
For now, the Nets must live with only having Irving as a part-time player. The process, while certainly not ideal, is something that Kevin Durant understands is important and is ‘looking forward’ to in order to build chemistry.
“We’re definitely a better team, a way better team [with Irving],” Durant said. “And he’s definitely going to give us a lift. So I’m looking forward to it — a couple games on the road, an opportunity for us to build our chemistry. So I’m looking forward to it.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Is Bringing Kyrie Irving Back Right Decision For Brooklyn Nets?
The Nets will play their next two games on the road—providing opportunity to build that chemistry with Irving. The first is a matchup with the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers and the other coming against the Chicago Bulls. However, they play 14 of their next 19 games on the road.
In the Nets’ 121-119 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, the Nets managed to barely get by without Irving but one of the silver-lining benefits has been the development opportunities for younger players.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Is Bringing Kyrie Irving Back Right Decision For Brooklyn Nets?
Cam Thomas converted a floater with 1.4 seconds left to play in what ended up being the game-winner for the Brooklyn Nets to get the win over the Spurs. If a player like him can continue to show progression in his development leading in the playoffs, it will only strengthen their title chances.
