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Back in October, the Nets made the enormous decision to not allow Kyrie Irving to appear in practices or road games, despite being eligible. Because of New York City vaccination mandates, Irving, who is not vaccinated, cannot appear in venues like Barclays Center. But he could play in other cities. In this respect, the Nets announced on Friday that they're changing their stance and moving towards allowing the seven-time All-Star's return.
That was of course complicated by Irving returning a positive COVID test on Saturday. Nets GM Sean Marks has now broken silence about the Kyrie situation after the 46-year-old team executive decided to address the media ahead of the team's game against the Orlando Magic.
So what has changed from early October, where the Nets are suddenly open to Irving (who is still unvaccinated) returning?
"The environment has changed. COVID has done a number on the team and on society in general. That's certainly changed, managing our overall player load, that's something we've gotta be aware of…"
-Nets Sean Marks answers what's changed where now regarding Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/ADCHolgzig
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) December 18, 2021
“The environment has changed,” said Marks. “COVID has done a number on the team and on society in general. That's certainly changed, managing our overall player load, that's something we've gotta be aware of throughout the course of the season we're seeing the large minutes that our guys have had to endure and play and we've gotta look at what's best for the team.”
Per the press release:
The following statement has been released by General Manager Sean Marks: pic.twitter.com/DAldOYe4nj
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 18, 2021
The Nets are in first place at 21-8, but now James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving have all returned positive tests, along with another handful of role players. They only had eight available players for the last two games, and they recently signed Langston Galloway, James Ennis, and Shaq Harrison to help fill in. Now they're turning to Irving to add some extra firepower, despite the uncertainty related to the ongoing pandemic.
“Several months ago we made a decision that was based around what was best for the team,” said Marks. “What was best for the team at that point was continuity and I think we all see that continuity right now over the course of the last week and whatever the future looks like may be out the window for a while. And we've gotta navigate that as best we can.”
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Has Kyrie indicated to Marks that he is considering getting vaccinated?
"I have not talked to Kyrie about vaccination status. I don't think that's being appropriate right now. I mean the times I've gone to see him these are about forming bonds and forming friendships."
–#Nets GM Sean Marks
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) December 18, 2021
“I have not talked to Kyrie about vaccination status,” admitted Marks. “I don't think that's being appropriate right now. I mean the times I've gone to see him these are about forming bonds and forming friendships. And having conversations about family sometimes basketball and so forth like Steve [Nash has] mentioned in the past.”
“When he gets back here I'm sure he'll have conversations with myself or Steve, the players and so forth, I want to get him back into the fold and we'll navigate those conversations then.”
It sounds like the Nets don't feel that they have the same luxury to worry about continuity anymore. They are now urged by the need to scramble and get as many bodies out there with Kevin Durant as possible, and one of those bodies happens to be a seven-time All-Star.
