Despite previously stating that he would not be able to return to action until he had been vaccinated against Covid-19, the Brooklyn Nets will allow Kyrie Irving to do so.
Irving has refused vaccinations, but the Nets have stated that he can now participate in “games and practices in which he is eligible.”
The 29-year-old will be unable to play in home games because New York requires players to be vaccinated.
Irving will also be required to miss away games where he must be immunized.
The decision was made “after discussions with our coaches, players, and staff,” according to Sean Marks, general manager of the New York Nets.
Irving, a seven-time All-Star, played in 54 regular-season games for the Nets last season but has yet to play this season, which began in October.
He will be subjected to daily testing when he returns and will be unable to play at home, against the New York Knicks, or in Toronto.
“We made this decision with our players’ full support and after careful consideration of our current circumstances, which included players missing games due to injuries and health and safety protocols,” Marks added.
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“Kyrie’s addition will not only improve our team but will also allow us to balance the physical demands on the entire roster.”
“We’re excited about Kyrie’s return, as well as getting our entire roster back on the court.”
The NBA will implement stricter coronavirus protocols following a surge of positive cases, including Covid-19 outbreaks among the Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
The Warriors triumph, while the Lakers fall. On the court, Stephen Curry scored 30 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 111-107 victory over the Boston Celtics.
The Warriors led by 20 points at one point in the game but were able to hold off a Celtics team that was missing Al Horford, Grant Williams, Jabari Parker, Juancho Hernangomez, and Sam Hauser due to the NBA’s Covid-19 measures.
LeBron James scored 18 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 110-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Lonnie Walker IV scored the game-winning basket with 14.9 seconds left to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 128-126 win over the Utah Jazz.
Despite the absence of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo due to health and safety protocols, the Milwaukee Bucks fell 116-112 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Jrue Holiday set a career-high with 40 points.
The Miami Heat won 115-105 over the Orlando Magic, while the Denver Nuggets won 133-115 over the Atlanta Hawks. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 125-116, while the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings 124-105.
