Vaccine Saga Continues: Will Kyrie Irving Really Miss the Entire NBA Season?
Anyone who felt that the ongoing vaccine saga that threatens to curtail Kyrie Irving’s NBA career was sure to be resolved any time soon may have to rethink their assumptions. It appears that the Brooklyn Nets star is doubling down on his stance, and it’s an issue that is the subject of non-stop reporting at present.
Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated means that he can’t play any home matches, and the Nets have moved to rule out the possibility that he may be used just on the road, putting the 29-year-old firmly out in the cold.
The issue will undoubtedly have an effect on the Nets this season, with the Barclays Center side currently sitting as favorites to win the NBA title. Additionally, one wonders what the absence of Irving would mean for NBA point spread predictions for upcoming fixtures as Irving is a key member of Steve Nash’s roster.
It’s fair to say that Irving’s decision has led to fallout from both pundits and fans alike and his insistence on the issue continues to astound many. This week general manager Steve Marks made it clear that he won’t take part in practice or any matches until the situation is resolved, stating;
“Kyrie’s made it clear that he has a choice in this matter, and it’s ultimately going to be up to him what he decides. We respect the fact that he has a choice, he can make his own, and right now, what’s best for the organization is the path that we’re taking.”
The trio of Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden is the driving force for a Nets side that will certainly be challenging for their first NBA title since 2003 (when still the New Jersey Nets).
Marks, and others, have been keen to not shut the door entirely on Irving, offering the seven-time All-Star pick the chance to rectify things;
“The hope is that we have Kyrie back,” Marks stated. “We’ll welcome him back in open arms under a different set of circumstances, and so we need to wait and see how that transpires. But in the meantime, we need to focus on the 16 players that are going to be on this roster moving forward with us.”
Many support the Nets’ stance, which is in many ways unavoidable, with legend Charles Barkley commenting;
“I really am proud of the Nets for putting their foot down,” he added. “For saying ‘no, we’re not going to deal with this half on, half off.’ The only thing that bugs me [is] he’s still going to make $17 million sitting at home.”
The Nets started their campaign with a tricky trip to titleholders Milwaukee and lost 127-104 with the imperious Giannis Antetokounmpo racking up 32 points, a tally matched by Durant.
That defeat may have some wondering if the absence of Kyrie Irving may have a deeper impact at the Nets than might at first have been thought?
