USATSI
Throughout this season’s NBA saga of Kyrie Irving’s inability to play home games due to New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the Brooklyn Nets have remained optimistic that their star player will eventually be able to take the floor at the Barclays. -center”. That day has arrived as, according to multiple reports, Irving will be allowed to play in New York again.
On Thursday, New York City will reportedly change its private sector COVID-19 vaccination mandate to make an exception for workplace artists and athletes. The policy change means that Irving will now be allowed to take the floor in Brooklyn’s next home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Here’s more from Politico about the expected changes:
On Thursday, the mayor is expected to announce his decision to lift the private sector vaccination mandate specifically for artists and athletes at local venues, including the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, as well as Citi Field in Queens and Yankee Stadium in New York. Bronx.
The complex nature of the vaccination mandate, which kept Irving from playing in New York, intensified last week when Irving attended a Nets home game as a spectator, which was allowed by policy. Teammate Kevin Durant and many others publicly questioned the legitimacy of a mandate that allowed Irving to be in the building as a supporter but not play on a court just a few feet away from where he sat.
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The Nets are sure to welcome Irving’s return with open arms as they try to build momentum heading into the postseason. In 19 games this season, Irving has 27.7 points, 5.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds on 49/43/90, and recently scored a career-high 60 points against the Orlando Magic.
Paired with Durant, a fully available Irving makes Brooklyn a formidable playoff contender and should bring them back into the discussion as potential NBA champions, especially if Ben Simmons can get back on the floor and get back to his old form.