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Tim Daniels is a featured Columnist for the Brooklyn Nets.
Adam Hunger.
Irving will make his NBA debut on Wednesday against the Pacers.
The news was reported by Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
The 29-year-old Duke product was ineligible to play in home games because of New York City's vaccine mandate for indoor arenas because he chose against COVID-19 vaccination.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said in October that the team would move forward without Irving until he was eligible to become a full participant.
"After careful consideration, we have decided that Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant." We respect his right to make his own choice. The choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not allow any member of our team to participate with part-time availability. We need to build chemistry as a team and keep our values of togetherness and sacrifice. Each member of the organization must pull in the same direction to achieve our championship goals. We are excited for the start of the season and look forward to a successful campaign that will make Brooklyn proud.
Brooklyn's stance changed in December when Marks confirmed that Irving would begin the process of getting ready to return for select games as the team worked to overcome injuries.
The seven-time All-Star would not be allowed to play at home or on the road against the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.
Irving has maintained throughout the process that he's not anti-vaccine, but rather making the best decision for himself.
He said in October that he was going to stay in shape, be ready to play and rock out with his teammates. This isn't about the NBA, it's about the organization. This is about what I am doing in my life.
While his vaccination status will remain a hot-button topic of conversation, especially if NYC's mandate remains in place as the playoffs move closer, there's little doubt the 2011 first overall pick will provide a boost to the Nets when he's on the floor.
Irving averaged 28.0 points, 6.1 assists, 3.8 rebound, 2.8 threes and 1.4 steals over 74 appearances for Brooklyn over the last two seasons.
He hasn't played since June, but there's still plenty of time for him to get back to his old form before the playoffs.
The Nets could very well emerge as the NBA championship favorite if Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden are all healthy and active for the playoffs.
