NBA announces that players who do not comply with local vaccination mandates will not be paid for the games they miss pic.twitter.com/VpRG4BjFBb
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 29, 2021
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David Letterman's humorous exchange with KD served alternative purpose for Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are a shrewd organization from top to bottom. So, when former late host made an appearance at Nets' Media Day with a noteworthy humorous exchange with Kevin Durant, his presence was as much a public relations stunt as it was anything.
While Kyrie Irving's vaccination status was a major talking point among fans and pundits, having Letterman pose as a reporter and eat into time dedicated to Durant's presser helped take some of the heat off the Nets' star left to answer for his absent teammates.
With the media somewhat disarmed by Letterman's dry humor, that video went viral and served as a distraction to the difficult reality that Irving appears willing to miss home games and practices in light of New York City's vaccine mandate.David Letterman at Nets Media Day 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LhvYvsp7im
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) September 27, 2021
You have to give a tip of the cap to Nets' PR because on a day that was nothing short of a disappointment for many Brooklyn fans, SportsCenter and many digital platforms featured the light hearted moment to create a positive story around the team.
It's the oldest public relations trick in the book, create a misdirection and inviting a celebrity to media day accomplished exactly that. Letterman was one of the stars of the show, but didn't entirely overshadow Irving's frustration situation. At least it provided cheerful moments for what will be a complicated conundrum for the team to navigate.
Kyrie Irving doesn't want to be a 'distraction' to Nets, but that's exactly what he is
Kyrie Irving made an appearance at Nets' Media Day, but it was via Zoom and not in person since he still remains unvaccinated.
Brooklyn's floor general insisted that he wanted to make things a private matter, and asked the media and fans to respect his privacy.
Irving declined to comment on his vaccination status or availability for home games and practices in Brooklyn this upcoming season.
"I’m not able to be present there today, but that doesn't mean that I'm putting any limits on the future of me being able to join the team"
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2021
Kyrie speaks on his vaccination status at Nets media day pic.twitter.com/qsMWhFgNgX
The Nets' point guard indicated that he didn't want to serve as a distraction to the team, but the fact that his vaccination status has been the main storyline of the day and not the team chasing a title is evidence enough that it is indeed a distraction.
Reading between the lines, it's clear that Irving is still unvaccinated, but he's also the vice president of the NBA's Player Association with significant klout and influence over matters related to the league.
The NBAPA has declined a proposed league mandate on vaccines while New York City and San Francisco vaccine mandates supersede anything the league has in place.
From the sound of it, it appears Irving is willing to sit out home games and remain unvaccinated, but he's clearly fighting behind the scenes to revise eligibility for unvaccinated players.
Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver can't influence lawmakers in both cities to reverse course or amend the mandate, so it appears both sides are dug in and at this point Irving's availability will be a major distraction throughout the season, at least until a resolution is put in place.
Member of Nets' Big Three gives verbal commitment to stay in Brooklyn long-term
Sean Marks has had conversations with James Harden and Kyrie Irving about inking long-term extensions to remain in Brooklyn, and the former appears committed to bringing a title to the organization and willing to commit long-term.
James Harden wants to bring a championship to Brooklyn this season and aims to be with #Nets long-term. #nets #nba #bkyln #netsmediaday pic.twitter.com/BYyZ00Canc
— Nets Insider (@NetsInsider1) September 27, 2021
Harden's comments put Nets' fans minds at ease regarding his future with the club, and while a long-term extension has yet to be officially reached, the team's top playmakers don't appear to be going anywhere else anytime soon.
Harden dubbed the Nets' big three as "Scary hours" last season and with a fortified bench stockpiled with grizzled veterans, he's now updated that label to, "Scarier Hours."
The cliffhanger for the organization is the free agent statuses of Irving and Harden, so it's fresh on Nets'fans minds.
Irving's availability for home games and practices in Brooklyn is a major storyline as New York City's vaccine requirements preclude him from participating in events at Barclays Center and HSS Training Center.
On a day where Irving's resistance to the vaccine remains a hot button issue, Harden's verbal commitment creates positive vibes around Nets Media Day.
Report: Kyrie Irving expected at Nets media day where vaccinations are required
As per basketball insider, Adam Zagoris, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to be in attendance at Nets media day at HSS Center in Brooklyn on Monday.
The Nets will meet with reporters in Brooklyn before departing for San Diego to open training camp later this upcoming week. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together, Irving would require to be vaccinated to attend any type of public event at HS* Center, so his anticipated attendance contradicts the recent reports that the point guard remains unvaccinated.Kyrie Irving is expected at Nets’ media day Monday, per league sources.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) September 26, 2021
We’ll see how it plays out as he’s likely to face a lot of vaccination-related questions in the wake of the @RollingStone story. https://t.co/ELnv0xTxQQ
Guessing the hidden meaning behind Kyrie Irving's latest tweet
NBA fans are left searching for the true meaning of the tweet. Is Irving at peace with his decision to reportedly stay unvaccinated?Peace♾ pic.twitter.com/CS8M556FqB
— A11Even (@KyrieIrving) September 26, 2021