Kyrie Irving to Play in Brooklyn Nets Home Games Soon? New York City Mayor Says He 'Can't Wait' to Lift COVID Vaccine Mandates

Kyrie Irving could not participate in any of the Brooklyn Nets home games this season due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

However, the New York City mayor's office might change that just in time for the Nets to make a playoff push. Nets coach Steve Nash sees a renewed sense of optimism for the 29-year-old guard since a resolution might be coming out in the next few weeks.

Nash's remarks follow New York City Mayor Eric Adams' statement in a press conference on Wednesday that he hopes to change the city's vaccine mandates in the coming weeks. Much like the changes in restrictions to other cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

It would allow unvaccinated workers, such as Irving, to return to work without restrictions. When asked if New York City would begin phasing out vaccination requirements, Adams told reporters, "I can't wait to get it done."

Currently, people in New York City must show evidence that they have gotten a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or at least two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to enter indoor locations such as movie theaters, restaurants, gyms, and sports venues.

Adams made it clear that he will meet with his public health advisors regularly and base his judgments on research when it comes to phasing out the COVID-19 restrictions.

Though no definite dates had been set yet, Adams said he wanted to get the process started as soon as possible.

Kyrie Irving Rejoins Brooklyn Nets in Part-Time Status

The Brooklyn Nets initially did not want unvaccinated Kyrie Irving to play with them at all. They did not want him to play even part-time but changed their decision mid-December.

Via The Athletic's Shams Charania, Nets said in a statement that they believe that the addition of Irving would allow the entire roster to optimally balance the team's physical demand as they look forward to his complete return.

After missing the first 35 games of the season, Irving made his season debut in January. Once the mandate is lifted, Nash said he feels Irving will be ready to play in every game, ESPN reported.

Irving went through Wednesday's practice. As he discussed Irving's situation after the practice, Brooklyn Nets forward James Johnson said that "hopefully soon, we can have him with us every game."

Could The Brooklyn Nets' Fortune Change?

The Brooklyn Nets have only 23 regular-season games left, and they are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-31 record.

With the Big Three's own issues: Irving's part-time status, James Harden's growing unhappiness, and Kevin Durant's knee injury, Brooklyn is having a downward trajectory.

However, things may be changing. In exchange for Ben Simmons, Harden has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nets general manager Sean Marks recently said Simmons and Durant might be back in a week or so, according to Nets Daily. The Nets could be on the rise if Kyrie Irving can return to the league.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

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