Report: 'Nets players and coaches want Kyrie to join team ASAP'
According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, there is renewed optimism about Kyrie Irving returning to the Nets this season.
Charania indicates there's been increased dialogue between Kevin Durant and Irving about his fit on the team and analyzing Nets' game.
It's unclear the exact scenario around Irving's potential return. There's been no clear indication that vaccine mandates for pubic venues in New York City will be lifted anytime soon.Sources: There’s renewed optimism around All-NBA star Kyrie Irving returning to the Brooklyn Nets this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2021
Details on Nets-Irving latest, Ben Simmons‘ market and more in Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/EJBvA7v8Pn
Back in September, the Nets' brass of Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Steve Nash refused to allow Kyrie to be a part-time player and practice with the team, while playing only in road games where the vaccine mandate doesn't apply.
The recent report could mean one of three things, either the Nets are softening their stance regarding Irving being a part-time player, Irving has agreed to get the vaccine or there has been a change to New York City's vaccine mandate.There is renewed optimism around Kyrie Irving returning to the Nets this season, sources tell @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/DbCpvbt4Ky
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 13, 2021
Whatever the case may be, the report is a major development for the Nets' title chances this upcoming season. Brooklyn has the best record in the Eastern Conference, but has failed every litmus test against the NBA's elite teams. As this story is updated, further details will emerge, but this has to be an encouraging sign as virtually nothing has been reported about Irving's status changing since the start of the year.
Angry Nets Fans Remember, Without Kyrie there's no KD or Harden
Fans can be fickle and forgetful. Kyrie Irving is absorbing heat for his refusal to get vaccinated and comply with local mandates. The Nets don't want Irving as a part-time player and thus the standoff has reached its fifth month.
Fans and media clamoring for the Nets point guard to make the decision they want and what's best for their team, not the individual.
At the end of the day, Irving has a personal choice, but he'll have to live with the consequences of his decision.
No NBA basketball unless there's a change to New York City vaccine requirements or he opts for some form of the vaccine.
Most fans and the public at large are outraged at Irving's decision amidst a health crisis with the pandemic simply much bigger than the game of basketball.
Most quickly forget that it was Irving who was the key driving force for bringing Kevin Durant to Brooklyn with him back in 2019 and forming a superstar duo that James Harden couldn't resist joining upon wiggling out of Houston.
The Brooklyn Nets as you see them today, are a culmination of Irving assuming the role as lead recruiter for his childhood team.
So not matter how upset, annoyed or disenfranchised you are with the Nets franchise point guard, remember, there's no KD or Harden without Kyrie.
After 25 Games, Nets Still Searching For Team Identity
Who are the 2021-2022 Brooklyn Nets? Ask Steve Nash, Kevin Durant and James Harden and they'll all answer in a similar manner.
They're still trying to figure things out. Brooklyn's roster was built around three superstars and with Kyrie Irving still unvaccinated, he remains away from the team indefinitely.
Sean Marks has done a remarkable job of compiling assets to build the star-studded roster that you see in Brooklyn, but outside of Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge, Bruce Brown and flashes of James Johnson, the Nets don't have any reliable players outside of Harden and Durant.
Last season, Brooklyn's big three played only 8 regular season games together, but its bench and role players held down the fort with stars shuffled in and out for a multitude of reasons.
That has been far from the case this year as Brooklyn has stood virtually no chance to win without Durant in the lineup and a diminished Harden who still doesn't look like himself.
Marks has received plenty of praise over the years for successfully building a championship contender, but the Nets don't pass the eye test despite being No. 1 in the East and look far more like pretenders.
The Nets' GM will need to navigate Irving's tricky vaccination situation sooner than later to determine whether he'll be part of the team's plans this year or a piece to bring in reinforcements for Durant and Harden.
NBA stats create their legacy based on what they do in the biggest games and in clutch moments and in the two months leading up to the trade deadline, Marks can either add to his legend or so things go South quickly depending on how the roster is handled from here on out.