Nathaniel S.
Sean Marks explained his decision to allow the star point guard back despite being unvaccinated after announcing Friday that he would begin the process of returning to the team.
Marks told reporters that the goal was to win. Everyone in the organization, from the GM to the coach to the players, knows what they're trying to do is win basketball games. At the end of the day, we are faced with a roster that has been decimated over the course of the last few days. I don't make decisions myself, but this is the best decision for the team at this time.
Irving wouldn't be allowed to practice or play for the Nets until he complied with New York City's COVID-19 vaccine policy, which was decided before the season began.
Steve Nash talked about the risk of bringing back an unvaccinated player while Marks explained the decision.
Nash said it was something to consider. He's a young man in good health. The chances of something catastrophic happening are small. This virus is a concern to me in every aspect of its short life so far. That's a concern, but it's also a concern for the vaccine recipients. It's something we have to live with in our world. We will do the best we can to protect and care for everyone.
Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported Friday that Irving is working toward a return and has begun daily COVID-19 testing. He was placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols on Saturday, which should delay his ramp-up.
Marks and Co. changed their minds early in the season. The Nets need all the help they can get, with 10 players in COVID-19 protocols.
Nash can't continue to have this happen as the season continues because both Harden and Durant are playing heavy minutes. The most minutes that he's seen on the court in the last three years is 37 per game, which is the most he's seen since he was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Earlier this month, he told reporters that he doesn't mind playing a lot of minutes.
I'm a basketball player. I would like to play 48 minutes. "That's just what it is." I'm coming off an injury and I'm playing more minutes, so it's a conversation to have with fans and media. If I can convince my coach to play me the whole second half, I'll do it. I'm going to get the most out of my basketball life because it's not that long. I enjoy being out there.
Harden, who is playing 36.2 minutes per night, is also capable of playing big minutes as he's averaged at least 35.0 minutes per game since the 2012-13 season.
Irving is an asset to the Nets. In 54 games last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 4.8 rebound and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting a career-best 50.6 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep.
The Nets entered Saturday's game against the Magic with the best record in the conference. Brooklyn will be more difficult to play against once Irving returns.
