By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Brooklyn Nets have renewed optimism Kyrie Irving can play during the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
It is unclear whether the former NBA champion will get vaccinated against coronavirus, or if the Nets will allow him to play in games on the road and practice at home.
Irving, 29, would actually be able to work out at the team’s facilities and help his team in most away games from the start of the 2021-22 season. However, the Brooklyn organization opted to keep him sidelined until he is fully eligible to play.
The seven-time NBA All-Star refusing to get the vaccine has raised serious doubts regarding him being able to come in for the Nets. Until recently, the New York City coronavirus health and safety protocols prohibiting him from returning as a full-time participant forced the team to be pessimistic.
In 2020-21, his second campaign at Brooklyn, he logged 26.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game over 63 appearances in the Regular Season and the Playoffs. He sprained his right ankle after landing on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foot in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a setback eventually leading to his side being eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games.
Despite playing without Irving so far in the 2021-22 season, the team coached by Steve Nash is currently on top of the East standings standing at 19-8. The Bucks and Antetokounmpo follow in second place carrying an 18-10 W-L tally.
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