Because the 29-year-old has not yet been vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Brooklyn Nets plan to bring back All-Star guard Kyrie Irving as a “part-time player” on Friday.
Irving will play in “games outside of New York,” according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter.
Irving is still unable to play for the Brooklyn Nets due to his failure to meet New York City’s immunization standards.
In other locations, including as New York and San Francisco, players are required to get the inoculation in order to play on their own turf.
“So far, Irving has been unwilling satisfy New York City mandates and become vaccinated to play home games, but the turbulence of the ongoing NBA season has caused the organization to reconsider their preseason decision to fully sideline Irving, sources said,” Wojnarowski said, adding that he needs time to make his season debut.
Irving should undergo a series of coronavirus tests before rejoining the Nets and then he has to practice to get in game shape.
“Nets haven’t seen him workout and are unclear the kind of shape he’s in now. He’s expected to take his time ramping up again,” Wojnarowski said. “Once he returns, he will have to test every day as an unvaccinated player.”
Because he declined to be vaccinated against the virus, the seven-time All-Star did not participate in the 2021-22 season.
In addition, owing to New York City health standards, he did not attend the team’s practice.
Irving is a well-known NBA player who has formerly represented the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
With the Cavaliers, he won the NBA championship in 2016.