By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Kyrie Irving will be able to practice at HSS Training Center. The Brooklyn Nets practice facility has been considered a private workplace, so it’s not subject to New York City’s vaccination mandate, as determined Friday.
Irving, 29, still won’t be able to play in home games of the Nets at Barclays Center, because of the city’s vaccine mandate.
The seven-time All-Star has already missed two out of the four preseason games. He was indicated as ineligible to play against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center on Friday.
He has not disclosed his vaccination status but apparently remains unvaccinated forcing the Nets to decide whether they can keep him active as a part-time player competing only in selected games on the road. Receiving clearance to practice at home can boost that option. Other possible routes, ruling him out of all games in general or seeking a trade.
The NBA has warned teams that vaccine mandates implemented by New York City and San Francisco can prevent players from competing in home games if they are not vaccinated or exempted. Players visiting are not included in local vaccination mandates.
The 2021 Preseason schedule brings back the Nets on Monday versus the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. They will wrap up the series of friendly games against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Thursday. The Regular Season opener follows on Tuesday, 19 October, opposite the Bucks on the road. Four days later, a six-game home stretch starts with the Charlotte Hornets at the Barclays Center.