Even as a fresh NBA season looms over the horizon, the story in Brooklyn continues to revolve around Kyrie Irving. Unsurprisingly, Irving has refused to get vaccinated, which could disqualify him from all of Brooklyn’s upcoming home games.
With the idea of Irving missing at least half the season and no indication he ever plans on getting the shot, the Nets are being bombarded with questions from the media and fans.
On that same note, in a recent segment on ‘First Take,’ ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith went off about the impact Irving’s actions are having on the team and, most notably, James Harden. Here’s what he said:
“Don’t think for one second that James Harden likes the nonsense that’s going on in Brooklyn. James Harden deserves better!” The furious statement were made in a recent interview. He captioned the post, “James Harden deserves better than the nonsense Kyrie Irving is putting this franchise through!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUyKG1PLHTl
As good as Kyrie is on the basketball court, one has to wonder if he’s starting to do more harm than good at this point.
Interestingly, Stephen A. also seemed to hint that, if things get bad enough, Durant may just convince the Nets to trade Irving.
“The Brooklyn Nets can be special with Kyrie Irving. They can, no denying there. But they can be special without him too. If KD says enough is enough, Kyrie is gone. Traded. That is if the Nets could still find a team to take him at this point. Many teams are resistant to bring him on because they say he is so bizarre. I know, I have spoken to some of them. Kyrie might just stop and retire. This is what they thinking. But eventually KD has to realise that Kyrie’s vaccination status is impacting basketball. And basketball is all KD cares about. I have seen that man walk into a club with high top sneakers on, ready to ball. I ain’t lying!”
It’s a tough line to walk.
On one hand, it’s hard to say that Kyrie deserves to be punished for choosing not to get the vaccine. While it’s a decision everybody should be able to make freely, the dude faces some pretty steep consequences for avoiding the shot.
On the other hand, Irving is putting others at risk and if he chooses to play ball, he has to play by the rules.
Either way, all of this will reach a conclusion at some point.
