One of the most notable snubs from the NBA’s ‘Top 75’ players list was Kyrie Irving, a 7x All-Star and Champion who is widely considered the greatest ball-handler in basketball history.
On the surface, a guy with his talent and resume should be a shoo-in for the Top 75 players list.
Apparently, he actually was at some point. According to the investigation of one Twitter user, who discovered some deleted articles, Irving was originally included in the Top 75 before being replaced.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVbI_YRJiwf
Kyrie Irving was going to be top 75 but was removed by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/NouUAUksfv
— Brooklyn Nets Media 🍥 (@nets_media) October 24, 2021
It was was already set🚨 pic.twitter.com/WxxmUcjtR4
— Brooklyn Nets Media 🍥 (@nets_media) October 24, 2021
While there could be other explanations, fans have suggested that the NBA elected to replace Irving in light of his current stance on COVID-19 protocols. With the league being in full support of mandates and vaccination enforcement, Kyrie is obviously spreading an ideology they do not approve of.
Still, when asked for his comments on the crisis unfolding in Brooklyn, commissioner Adam Silver refrained from getting too critical.
“Frankly, I hope that Kyrie, despite how strongly he feels about the vaccination, ultimately decides to get vaccinated, because I’d love to see him play basketball this season, and I’d love to see the Brooklyn Nets have their full compliment of players on the floor,” Silver said.
If the NBA really did take Irving off their list for his recent behavior, it could stir outrage from the media and community.
The league is no stranger to spreading political messages. During the height of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, they demonstrated their support in multiple ways and players even went so far as to boycott games to make a statement.
Considering that fact, it’s entirely possible that Kyrie was removed from the 75 players list ass response for his recent actions.
And while we may never know the truth for sure, it will be interesting to see what kind of fallout the league will face as more on this situation comes to light.
