The big question looming over Kyrie Irving’s return: How long will the Nets allow him to be a part-time player?
Initially, the Nets said they held Irving – already ineligible for home games due to New York City’s vaccine mandate – from road games because of chemistry concerns. The Nets say they’re allowing him back for road games because their chemistry and depth have been shot by coronavirus issues, anyway.
But the NBA is making it easier for players to return from the protocols. This wave of cases will pass – maybe before the playoffs.
So, where will that leave Irving if the Nets get healthy and he remains unvaccinated?
Here’s a clue: There was talk of Irving returning even before the Nets’ major coronavirus problems.
Brooklyn has been an organization that caters to its stars. Would the Nets really pull Irving from road games if Kevin Durant and James Harden want him to play?
Maybe. But maybe not.
It might depend how Irving’s return goes. So far, everyone seems to be really glad he’s back.