MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 26: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a free throw late in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 26, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving is getting closer to being able to support his teammates, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to play at home for the Brooklyn Nets just yet.
Because Kyrie Irving has remained unvaccinated against COVID-19, he has been unable to play during Brooklyn Nets home games due to various policies that have the expressed goal of limiting the spread and impact of COVID-19.
This has been a huge point of debate for a number of reasons, but it looks like the Nets will soon be able to get Irving in Barclays Center for Brooklyn’s home games.
The only thing is there’s a slight catch. Irving apparently won’t be able to be at Nets games as a player. It looks like he might only be able to show up as a spectator, according to a tweet from Shams Charania.
According to Charania, New York City will be lifting its COVID-19 vaccine mandate in early March (as long as things continue to progress there). However, according to Charania, a “private sector mandate” will still keep Irving off the court.
Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving will be able to watch Nets home games but he’s still unable to play in them
Even though Irving will technically be able to be there to support his team, he’s still limited in what he’s able to do for the Nets. At least for the time being, that is.
Unfortunately for the Nets, they could really use some help as they try to improve down the stretch of the season. Brooklyn was able to beat the Milwaukee Bucks on the road, that’s with having Irving playing and putting up 38 points. He’s still not able to do that at home due to the policies that are in place and his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Brooklyn did recently make a monumental trade for Ben Simmons to hopefully address a few issues, but Simmons hasn’t taken the court for the Nets just yet.