Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is being scrutinized for his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the criticism probably isn’t going away anytime soon.
Because Irving’s unvaccinated status runs afoul of New York City policy, he missed the team’s first practice back in Brooklyn after opening the preseason on the West Coast, according to multiple reports. Unless Irving changes his mind or New York City changes its policy, the point guard will miss two preseason and 41 regular-season Nets games scheduled at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. He also would have to sit out two regular-season road games against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
This only continues the trend that Kevin Durant, James Harden and Irving can’t seem to stay on the court together. Last season, the trio played only eight games together during the regular season. Keep in mind, Harden was traded to Brooklyn in January and the regular season ended in May. Yes, injuries played a part in this, but now all three are back at full health.
The only thing holding the three back from playing together now is whether Irving gets vaccinated.
The ball is now in his court.
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