Nets players expect All-NBA guard Kyrie Irving back in the near future, SNY sources say.
The organization will allow Irving to play in road games and at the home practice site, sources confirm.
Under New York City ordinance, Irving will not be permitted to play in home games at the Barclays Center because he is unvaccinated.
Back in October, Nets owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks originally said that Irving would not be with the team in any capacity until he received a COVID-19 vaccination. Irving was eligible to play in road games and practice and the team facility at the time. But Nets leadership were against having Irving as a part-time player.
What has changed?
ESPN reported that the Nets reversed course due to injuries and the workload placed on Kevin Durant and James Harden.
It’s worth noting that some significant members of the organization were comfortable with Irving being a part-time player before Tsai and Marks ruled against it in October, per SNY sources.
In recent days, one Nets player said that he felt the club needed Irving back in order to reach its goal of an NBA championship.
If healthy, Irving, Durant, Harden and the Nets should be one of the favorites to win the NBA championship. The trio was dominant in the postseason before Harden and Irving went down with injuries.
Irving will have to miss three road games: two at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, and one in Toronto against the Raptors. Beginning in January, unvaccinated players will not be able to travel to Canada.
Irving has to test negative for five-straight days before he can join the team, according to ESPN. Once he does return, he'll have to get tested every day.
The Nets are in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 21-8 record.
ESPN first reported that the Nets decided to allow Irving to play road games. The Athletic first reported that Irving was going to return to the team.
Marks and the Nets released a statement on Friday evening to announce the decision:
The following statement has been released by General Manager Sean Marks: pic.twitter.com/DAldOYe4nj
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 18, 2021
The Nets have left themselves open to criticism because it is a departure from their past decision on Irving. Here is Marks' statement in October explaining the organization’s stance on Irving at the time.
Marks has been consistent in making himself available to the media to discuss issues around the Nets -- positive or negative.
It's fair to assume that he'll discuss this decision at some point in the coming days. It will be interesting to hear his thoughts on the change of course.
