Kyrie Irving didn't practice Tuesday with the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn because the point guard was unable to play or practice in New York City due to the COVID-19 vaccine protocols.
Irving missed the team's first practice in Brooklyn after he had been practicing with the team in San Diego last week. To practice or play in New York, players in the New York Market must have at least one shot of vaccination.
After practice, Steve Nash, Nets coach, told reporters that there was no further information about Irving's status regarding home games and practices. We support him. We are there for him. Things can change. We are here to help him when there is a solution.
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Bobby Marks, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association reached an agreement to reduce a player's pay by 1/91.6. This is for every game that an unvaccinated participant misses due to local COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The Nets will play Milwaukee in Brooklyn on Friday for their next preseason match.
Nash replied, "I'm really not worried about anything," when Nash was asked about his Brooklyn practice without his starting point guard. We're just trying our best to get through each day. Today was a great day. Tomorrow will be the same.
Nash was asked if there were any plans to move the team's practices out of New York City so that Irving could participate.
Nash stated, "No, this home is where we practice, and we have almost a full group." "So that's positive. We're just trying to get better each day and focusing our attention on the things we can influence."
Irving, who would be losing approximately $380,000 per home game if he was unable to play, was unable to attend the media day in Brooklyn on September 27. He did speak to reporters via remote and requested privacy about his decision.
Irving stated during the media day remote session, "I know I'll always be there no matter what" and that he would be there for his teammates and my growing tribe off-court. I know that focus must be on the game and there should not be distractions. This is what I did not want to create. With good intentions and a positive heart, I am trying to keep this going.
