Brooklyn Nets' unvaccinated star Irving eyes return for away games

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The Brooklyn Nets are set Friday to bring back All-Star guard Kyrie as a "part-time player" because the 29-year-old has not yet been vaccinated for the coronavirus.

The franchise said Irving will play in “games outside of New York," NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

Irving still cannot play for the team in Brooklyn because he failed to satisfy New York City’s vaccination requirements.

In some cities such as New York and San Francisco, players must have the vaccine to take the court at home.

"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.”

The seven-time All-Star has not played in the 2021-22 season because he has refused to be vaccinated for the virus.

Also, he did not attend the team's practice due to New York City health protocols.

Irving is one of the famed players in the NBA as he previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

He won the 2016 NBA title with the Cavaliers.