Kyrie Irving has been M.I.A. this season, and his absence has been felt by the Brooklyn Nets, who are still adjusting to life without one of their top players.
Despite widespread criticism from fans, players, and media members, Irving doesn’t seem any closer to changing his mind on the COVID-19 vaccine.
But he might not have to.
Apparently, when NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams takes office in January, he’s going to reconsider city mandates — meaning that, after January, there’s a chance Kyrie might not need to be vaccinated in order to play in Barclays Center.
A change in the New York City Mayor’s office could pave the way for Kyrie Irving to return to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
Mayor-elect Eric Adams plans to “revisit” the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate rules once he takes office, according to the New York Post.
“We need to revisit how we are going to address the vaccine mandates. Now, I stated I did not want to Monday-morning-quarterback the mayor [Bill de Blasio]. This is his time to be the man, he has to make the decisions,” Adams said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” per the Post.
It’s far from a guarantee that city mandates will loosen, but it’s no doubt a beacon of hope for the Nets, who decided that Kyrie would not play for them at all until the situation is resolved.
“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant.
Irving, 29, is one of the most talented and decorated players in the NBA. A 7x All-Star, 3x All-NBA player, 2012 Rookie of the Year, and 2016 NBA Champion, he’ll be crucial in Brooklyn’s plan to win a Championship this season.
If he’s able to return to action, it will have big implications on the upcoming title race.
