Nets guard Kyrie Irving wasn’t present at the team’s first practice in Brooklyn on Tuesday, writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
In order to enter public indoor venues in New York City, individuals must have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving, who deflected questions about the subject last week, is reportedly unvaccinated. He was able to take part in the Nets’ training camp, which took place last week in San Diego, but as long as he remains unvaccinated, he’ll be unable to play or practice in New York.
Head coach Steve Nash didn’t provide any additional details on Irving’s status, as Youngmisuk notes.
“No further update,” Nash told reporters when asked about Irving, adding that he’s “not really worried” about the point guard’s absence. “We support him. We are here for him. Things change. When there’s a resolution, we’re here for him.”
Here’s more on the Nets:
- With Nicolas Claxton expected to get regular minutes at center for the Nets, it’s unclear if veterans Paul Millsap and LaMarcus Aldridge will both be a consistent part of the rotation to start the season. However, the two big men have made strong cases for themselves so far and even showed on Sunday vs. the Lakers that they might even be capable of playing alongside each other, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. “They both had a really good camp,” Nash said. “Both moved well, played well, showed their intellect and skill set. I thought they played quite well together even though it’s not something that we’ve necessarily done traditionally, played the two bigger guys.”
- Even if they don’t end up playing big minutes, Millsap and Aldridge are looking forward to passing their knowledge onto the team’s younger players, per Lewis. “Me and LaMarcus are veteran guys, two of the oldest in the locker room,” Millsap said. “So we’re going to help try to guide some of these younger guys into knowing what the NBA’s all about.”
- Within his preview of the team’s 2021/22 season, John Hollinger of The Athletic speculates that the Nets could explore trades that reduce their projected luxury-tax payment. Hollinger identifies Sekou Doumbouya and DeAndre’ Bembry as two possible trade candidates in that scenario. For what it’s worth, Brooklyn can’t include cash in any more deals this season, having used the maximum $5.785MM in last month’s DeAndre Jordan trade. The Nets do still have some future second-round picks they could use as sweeteners.
Are we just pretending Millsap isnt still a great 2 way player at the 4, and Aldridge cant play at the 5 now? Interesting narrative
No one has said that LMA can’t play at the 5 now, that’s where he has been for quite some time since he got too old to play PF. Both of those guys are 36 and probably won’t be getting regular minutes, but they will still provide the team with depth and experience they can share with those who need it.
Millsap is the same height and build as Luka, so hardly a lumbering seven footer
I very much want for everyone to get vaccinated but I would admire Irving if he stuck to his beliefs and did not get vaccinated even though he would lose about half his pay. It is funny to see people with such strong beliefs change their mind if it means less money or jail time. Wiggins flip flopped and soon will Irving. All bark no bite.
Does Kyrie even like playing basketball? Maybe he could make a comparable salary as a heart surgeon. He is so smart.
As far as Kyrie, is the entire NBA not tired of his antics? Moody, bad tempered & likely to miss a game for any reason he sees fit! They should call him
“Me, Me, Me, Kyrie”
One must wonder why the admin in this site allows all the comments pro bullying people in to taking a certain very controversial vax… but if you mention something on the other side of the argument… then you get your comment removed… really curious, always thought a rational, intelligent & grown up discussion involved 2 sides, clearly in here is just the bullies & no one else… not much of a discussion, right?
What is the point of having a comment section at all!
If this thing does not get snuffed out in its fairly mild early stages, it will be hell dealing with when it gets more able.