By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks addressed the availability of Kyrie Irving moving closer to the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season.
“Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant,” he said, “ Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose. Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability.”
Irving, 29, has refused to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, as officially confirmed by Brooklyn. He did not suit up in the three friendly games held in recent days to start the 2021 Preseason for the Nets. He will remain sidelined moving forward, despite presumably being able to play in most road fixtures of the new season and permitted by New York City’s coronavirus health and safety protocols to practice at team facilities.
“It is imperative that we continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice,” added Marks, “Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals each member of our organization must pull in the same direction. We are excited for the start of the season and look forward to a successful campaign that will make the borough of Brooklyn proud.”
The Nets will wrap up the series of friendly games facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. The Regular Season opener follows on Tuesday, October 19, at the Milwaukee Bucks.
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