Kyrie Irving's personal stance against the COVID-19 vaccine will no langer hamper his or the Brooklyn Nets' ambitions of a championship. New York City has altered its mandate so that unvaccinated athletes can play in the city. The caveat allows Irving to be back in time for the postseason as the Nets look to make a run.

With the Nets still having to face the top-seeded Miami Heat before Irving's home debut, it's impossible not to look ahead. According to ESPN's Andrew Lopez, Irving has expressed that he is beyond excited to play in his first home game of the season on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets.

“Please take my comment seriously when I say I've been pinching myself since Wednesday and Thursday because there was a time where I got my hopes really, really high and all the air just got let out,” Irving said at Nets' shootaround ahead of Saturday night's game in Miami.

“I didn't want to get too excited. Still tonight, I'm trying to stay focused on this game. But I know tomorrow will eventually come and I'm looking forward to playing back in Brooklyn.”

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Irving, as a part-time player this season, has averaged 28.5 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds across 20 games. He has not lost any step as a player but his inability to play in home games definitely cost them as the season went on. Kevin Durant spoke about how he is glad that Irving is back for good.

Brooklyn is eighth in the Eastern Conference. Although they can be the best team when healthy, they will have a very tough road in the playoffs. With Irving back as a full-time player, they have the chance to make a deep run.