The Kyrie Irving COVID-19 vaccine saga is hanging over the Brooklyn Nets as the 2021-22 season approaches. Irving hasn't been vaccinated yet, so as of right now, he can't practice or play when the Nets are at home.
Nets star Kevin Durant weighed in on the situation Wednesday, expressing his optimism that Irving will be part of the team and that the team “can do something special.” Brooklyn's other star, James Harden, was asked about Irving on Thursday. Harden offered up similar sentiments:
James Harden said he wants Kyrie Irving to be a part of the team and adds he’s a huge part of what makes them scary. Hasn’t spoken to him on the vaccine, but would like to see the situation resolved. Irving has his support.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) October 7, 2021
Harden was asked if the Nets can make it work with only having Irving on the road and essentially said it would be on them to figure out.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) October 7, 2021
The Nets are uniquely equipped to handle Irving missing half the season or more, if it comes to that. Having a healthy Durant and Harden still means having two of the top-10 players in the world, and arguably the best in Durant.
Brooklyn nearly beat the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs despite injuries to Harden and Irving. In addition to the stars, the Nets have a number of other big-name role players to help out.
Even so, this Irving situation is still frustrating given what's at stake. The margin for error becomes smaller without him, and it also is just the right thing to do to get vaccinated. Perhaps Irving finally winds up getting his vaccine, but it legitimately seems up in the air right now.