Breaking: Kyrie Irving is making a return to the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are working together for a possible reunion. The report reveals that due to injuries, COVID losses and inordinate minute load on their superstar players, The Nets are faced with a situation where they would need to bring back Irving to the roster. However, there are contingencies to Irving’s potential return as he has yet to receive the vaccination.
The city of New York currency has a mandatory vaccine mandate to attend any sporting events, including the players. With Irving unlikely to receive the vaccination, General manager Sean Marks revealed that Irving would only be allowed to play in road games. Irving has been eager to play basketball again, according to Wojnarowski.
The Brooklyn Nets currently have a 21-8 record while being the best team in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing Irving this season, the Nets have managed to play excellent basketball while possessing arguably the best player in the NBA in Kevin Durant. While the Nets have been impressive given James Harden’s slow start to this season, the possibility of Irving returning to the Nets is promising. Even though it would only be away games, Durant and Harden could rest significantly during the road with Irving on the court to prepare for the playoffs. All three players have developed a reputation of being injury-prone, hence why this news is promising for the Net’s success this season.
On paper, having Irving back in Brooklyn is exciting, but they may have some issues on the court. Some players on the roster may find it unfair that Irving is only playing away games. The idea of a player only suiting up for half the games could cause issues in the locker room regardless of the relationship. The Nets have already developed a game-plan and chemistry that does not involve Irving in the rotation. By including him in the rotation for only half of the games, the likelihood of players feeling confused about their role is very high. However, are the Nets planning something bigger that goes beyond this season and Irving?
Since the season started, the Nets have been very consistent with their approach to Irving. They have made it clear that he will not be able to play in Brooklyn unless he is not vaccinated. While him not playing in Brooklyn is consistent, their sudden change of allowing Irving to play on the road is intriguing.
Irving’s trade value is at an all-time low due to his refusal of not receiving the vaccination and him not playing NBA basketball this season. With the Nets most likely aware of this, they realized that the only way they have an opportunity to trade Irving for the right price would be for him to play basketball, at least on the road. While that may disrupt what the Nets currently have, they may be working on pursuing something bigger than just this season.
Closing thoughts
Irving has been missed in the NBA as he is one of the most exciting and entertaining players to watch in our league today. The idea of him potentially making a return to the NBA is exciting. However, the idea of him only being a part-time player for the Nets could ruin what they already have. In addition, the rest of the NBA may look at this situation and feel indifferent to the idea that a team can have a part-time player. While it is exciting to have Irving back in the NBA, the Nets may be making a big mistake that could lead to other problems. Irving could ruin the chemistry on the Nets to the mandate or, the league could start a petition expressing their disagreement with the Nets having a part-time player on the roster.
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