There's a chance Kyrie Irving could return in January
Many changes are about to happen in New York City as mayor-elect Eric Adams is set to take office in January 2021. He vows to revisit the city's vaccination plans, which could mean Kyrie Irving could make a return sooner than later.
Eric Adams vows to revisit vaccination policies
Eric Adams beat republican Curtis Sliwa to become the next New York City mayor. Current mayor Bill de Blasio announced a vaccine mandate that requires people to get at least one shot of the COVID before being allowed to resume work in the city. The mandate includes NBA players getting the jab before being allowed to play in an indoor stadium in the city. This rule barred Kyrie Irving from playing home games in Brooklyn, and the management decided not to let him play until he chooses to get vaccinated.
Now, fans are hoping Adams could revisit the policies and allow Irving to participate in games somehow. The mayor-elect claims he would advise de Blasio to consult with unions and workers again.
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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. This is his time to be the man, he has to make the decisions. I hope the mayor — and I am encouraging him to do that — to sit down with unions and come to a resolution. And if he doesn’t, if this is still going to January, I’m going to sit down with them and we’re going to get this resolved.
Eric Adams, NY Post
Nets still searching for identity without Kyrie
The earliest Irving could play is in January, but a lot has to happen first. Even if New York revises its vaccine mandate, it's still up to Brooklyn management if they will allow Irving to return. Without him, the Nets are still struggling to build their identity.
James Harden's numbers are down, which could be an effect of the rule changes on foul-baiting, while Kevin Durant is trying to carry the team's offensive burden -- the Nets are currently the fifth seed, having an underwhelming start to the season. With the new additions such as Paul Millsap, Patty Mills, and the returning LaMarcus Aldridge, higher expectations have been set on the team coached by Steve Nash. The Irving situation became a distraction, but it seems they are figuring out a way to look past it.
If Irving returns early next year, it could make or break the Nets' season. He could provide additional firepower and propel the Nets among the league elite. On the other hand, his return might disrupt the team chemistry as the coaches will try to incorporate him into the scheme of things.
The Nets need Kyrie to strengthen their bid to win the title this season. The Nets fans are hoping the mayor-elect will grant their controversial star a chance to show what he can do on the court.
