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Tim Daniels is the featured Columnist for January 8, 2022.
Nathaniel S.
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant said he's held conversations with teammate Kyrie Irving about the importance of becoming a full-time player but noted there's limits to those type of discussions centered around the COVID-19 vaccine.
Irving is ineligible to play in the Nets' home games and road games because of a vaccine requirement for large-scale events in New York City, which is one of several cities with such requirements. The guard would provide a boost if he was available every night, according to the player.
I told him how important he is and how much I want him to play. I'm not going to force someone to get a vaccine. So he can play a sport? I'm not going to do that.
We've talked about wanting him to be a part of the team, but that's on his time. He's going to make whatever decision he wants. It's up to us to do our jobs, no matter what. All of us, from the owner down to the equipment manager, will be ready whenever he's ready.
Irving made his season debut in Wednesday night's road game against the Indiana Pacers after the organization reversed a prior decision to hold him out until he was eligible for a full-time role. He had 22 points, four assists, three assists and three steals in the win.
The seven-time All-Star talked about his situation after the game.
I'm taking it one day at a time. It's not an ideal situation and I'm always praying that we can come to an agreement with the league or something that will help ease the situation. Everybody is feeling it. I don't want to make it about me or anyone else, just about someone changing the rules for me. I know what the consequences were and I know what they are. I'm just going to enjoy this time with my guys and then I'll take it one day at a time. We'll address it later in the season.
He was unable to play Friday as the Nets returned to their home.
Irving will not play in Sunday's home game against the San Antonio Spurs, but he will be available for six of the team's next eight games.
James Harden said after Friday's game that they're used to playing without the Duke product and will use it as a boost when he's available.
It wasn't weird. It was good to have him back. It felt good. It felt like we had more time. We have to figure ways to win at home games. Even though Ky is on the road with us, he's not going to be easy for us as well. We have to find ways to win games and teams feel like they have something to prove when they step on the floor. We have to bring that mentality to them.
Irving has maintained throughout the process that he's not anti-vaccine, but rather made the medical decision he felt was better for himself.
I'm going to repeat this again. He said in October that this was not about the Nets, but about the organization. It's not one thing. It's about the freedom to do what I want.
The Nets have a second-best record in the Eastern Conference with a 24-13 mark. The guard's status shouldn't be a problem for the rest of the season.
If the New York City mandate remains in place, his situation will become a bigger story. Brooklyn is trying to chase down a championship and could be in a difficult spot.
