Kyrie Irving is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in today’s NBA, but there are some big questions about him floating around due to his current COVID-19 vaccination status. Irving isn’t, and doesn’t intend to be, vaccinated. As of now, he is unable to play all home games because of New York City’s vaccine mandate. Not wanting the distraction of a part-time player, the Brooklyn Nets management has barred Kyrie from playing in any games until he can fully participate.
Kyrie has said multiple times that this is not about anything other than doing what feels right for him and that he is not angry at the Nets organization or the NBA. This is not the first time that his personal values and beliefs have limited his full participation with the team. Just last season, Irving sat out of seven games, stating, “There are so many oppressed communities, so many things going on that are just bigger than a ball going in the rim.”
Before Kyrie’s vaccine news, it would be reasonable to say that the Brooklyn Nets have the potential to make a deep playoff run, but this could change some minds. The big three of Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant mesh together very well, but losing Kyrie would take out an experienced ball handler, skilled finisher, and most importantly, a huge part of their offensive scheme. The superstar averaged 26.9 points last season, more than Harden and the same as Durant, even though he played more games than both of them. If Irving was out for this coming season, it would leave a hole in the offense hard for a backup like Patty Mills to fill.
On October 24th, protesters were outside the Nets’ stadium, the Barclays Center, chanting, “Let Kyrie p lay,” with signs that read, “Stand with Kyrie”. The protest became violent when the dissentients stormed the security guards and gates. As a result, admission for all fans came to a temporary halt until security pacified everything. There has been zero talk about changing or taking away the mandate, and it seems like all that the protest did was create chaos.
Other NBA players in different locations including Bradley Beal, Jonathan Issac, and Michael Porter Jr. are allowed to play despite not receiving the vaccine, so it is unfortunate that Irving lives in Brooklyn and is subject to the mandate, prohibiting him from playing in home games. Many players, fans, and analysts have questioned the fairness of this situation. However, as of now, no exemptions have been granted, so players living in New York City (and in San Francisco where there is a similar policy) must receive the vaccine in order to play in home games.
