It felt as if the day would never come, but it’s finally here. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN confirmed that Nets star Kyrie Irving is beginning a process to return to the Nets to play on a part-time basis. Not only that, but Irving is now allowed to start practicing at the team facility. Upon an agreement with the Nets to take part in road games, the 29-year-old is now set to make his return after he tests negative for COVID-19 for five consecutive days.
This sort of agreement makes sense since New York city mandates have yet to allow unvaccinated citizens in Barclays Center. The city is changing its regulations to require employeees to have two vaccination shots to be considered fully vaccinated, a threshold all Nets and Knicks players must meet in order to play at home.
Last season, the Nets guard averaged 27 PPG and 6 APG on 51% shooting from the field. From three, he was phenomenal, shooting it at 40% clip.
ESPN Sources: With the unfolding circumstances of Brooklyn’s season – including injuries, Covid losses and an inordinate minutes load on their superstar players – the Nets are bringing back All-Star guard Kyrie Irving as a part-time player for games outside of New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
Nets owner Joe Tsai, GM Sean Marks, Coach Steve Nash and key players were fully supportive of the idea — and Irving has been eager to return to play in the team’s away games. He can start practicing at team facility.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
So far, Irving has been unwilling satisfy New York City mandates and become vaccinated to play home games, but the turbulence of the ongoing NBA season has caused the organization to reconsider their preseason decision to fully sideline Irving, sources said. https://t.co/OdfJT6Kd26
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
Before making his long-awaited return to the court, Irving must pass a series of COVID tests to even be allowed to practice with the team. There is still uncertainty on what type of shape he is in right now as well.
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Kyrie Irving's return isn't expected quickly. He has to pass a series of Covid tests before he can start working out with team. Nets haven't seen him workout and are unclear the kind of shape he's in now. He's expected to take his time ramping up again.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
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