Kyrie Irving hasn’t played in a single game for the Brooklyn Nets this season, but that’s about to change. On Friday, multiple reports surfaced stating that Irving will return to the team.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said the Nets are bringing back Irving as a part-time player for games outside of New York. This is because Irving has not yet satisfied New York City’s vaccine mandate.
Back in October, Nets general manager Sean Marks said he didn’t want to entertain the idea of having a part-time player on his roster for the 2021-22 season.
“We’re looking at putting a group of people that are going to be able to participate fully,” Marks told reporters. “That’s what this comes down to, and we’re not looking for partners that are going to be half-time.”
Clearly, Marks’ stance on this subject has changed.
Nets GM Sean Marks discussing the Kyrie Irving saga in October:
“We’re looking at putting a group of people that are going to be able to participate fully. That’s what this comes down to, and we’re not looking for partners that are going to be half-time,” Marks declared.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) December 17, 2021
Per the latest ESPN report, Nets owner Joe Tsai was fully supportive of bringing back Irving in some capacity. The same thing can be said for Marks.
Irving can now begin practicing at the Nets’ facility. Again, he can’t actually play at the Barclays Center due to his vaccination status.
Even if Irving is just a part-time player, his presence on the floor should help the Nets. Last season, the All-Star guard averaged 26.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.
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