In October, Irving became the first player in NBA history to change his mind about playing for a new team during the preseason. He announced that he would be joining LeBron James on the Brooklyn Nets after no other teams were willing to trade with Cleveland. The move left many people scratching their heads as it was not expected from an All-Star who is widely considered one of if not the best point guard in basketball today.
Kyrie Irving is excited to finally play in home games this season. The Brooklyn Nets’ new point guard has been out of action for the last three seasons, but he is finally able to take the court at Barclays Center.
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ESPN’s Andrew Lopez
MIAMI, Fla. — When the New York City law prohibiting unvaccinated players from participating in home games was repealed on Wednesday, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving claimed he had to check himself to make sure it was genuine.
The restriction was overturned on Thursday by New York Mayor Eric Adams, allowing Irving to participate in home games at Barclays Center, something he hasn’t been permitted to do all season.
“Please believe me when I say I’ve been pinching myself since Wednesday and Thursday because there was a point when I had my hopes really, very high and all the air just got let out,” Irving said during the Nets’ shootaround before of Saturday night’s game in Miami.
“I didn’t want to get too worked up about it. I’m still trying to keep focused on this game tonight. But I’m certain that tomorrow will arrive, and I’m excited to return to Brooklyn.”
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With the mandate problem behind him, Irving began to consider what may lie ahead for him and his colleagues.
“I signed up for this for the long haul,” Irving said. “This is my favorite year. I appreciate it. This hasn’t been your normal year. But when I look at my coworkers and what we have as a company, I’m amazed. I’m interested in the long term and what we can do as far as legacy is concerned.”
Irving has a $36.5 million player option for next season. Irving, who has surpassed ten years of service, may sign a five-year, $246 million deal if he declines the player option.
“It’s always been about being at ease and enjoying where I’m at for me. I really like being here “Irving said. “I’m sure we’ll have some discussions once summer arrives, but there’s no way I could leave my guy 7 anywhere.”
Kevin Durant is, of course, No. 7. In 2019, Irving and Durant inked a joint contract with Brooklyn.
“Our team feeling, in my opinion, is that we want to leave a legacy here and have something long-term,” Irving said. “Not simply throw something together quickly and see what happens. But we’re going to give it our all.”
On Saturday night, the Nets face the Heat in Miami before returning to Brooklyn for a home game against the Charlotte Hornets. Irving hasn’t played at home since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Milwaukee on June 7.
While Irving appreciates Adams’ decision to remove the requirement, he believes there is still more work to be done.
“It’s never been about me, as I’ve maintained from the beginning of this,” Irving added. “Any particular privilege or exemption, I believe many individuals are suffering actual effects as a result of not getting vaccinated. In terms of our vital employees and front-line personnel, I don’t believe it is discussed enough. It’s a big community of people who really want to unite.”
On the eve of his first game in Brooklyn this season, Kyrie Irving remarked, “I know tomorrow will arrive, and I’m looking forward to playing back in Brooklyn.” USA Today Sports/Kim Klement
Durant told reporters on Friday that he was relieved the Irving issue was over.
“It’s taken a long time,” Durant added. “Fans of the Brooklyn Nets and New York are ecstatic to see one of their own back on the court at home. It means a lot to our squad, and we’re thrilled to have him back. We’re looking forward to a good end to the season.”
The Nets are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 38-35 record, three games behind Toronto for seventh place (the Raptors are tied with the Cavaliers but Cleveland has the tiebreaker). Brooklyn also leads the Hornets by a half-game and the Atlanta Hawks by 112 points.
Six of the Nets’ remaining nine games are at home, and one of the away games is against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, so the organization is hoping that having Irving back in the lineup full-time will pay dividends.
“For the past 20 games, for the last month, every game has seemed really crucial.” The fact that I’m in and out of the lineup hasn’t helped our consistency, nor has the fact that other players are in and out of the lineup. “I believe it will provide us with some continuity,” Irving added. “However, it has the potential to break us out of our do-or-die mindset.”
“Every game, everyone is fascinated… let me just say it how it is, we’re in ninth place and considered contenders.” That, if that isn’t a real testimonial to the amount of skill on this squad, I don’t know what is. I appreciate your consideration. But, to be honest, it takes a little longer to establish that consistency, and we’re utilizing these games and practice time to do so, but we’ll just put our best foot forward and see what happens.
Kyrie Irving is excited to finally play in home games this season. The Brooklyn Nets have been playing their home games in London since 2012 and now they are on the verge of moving back to Brooklyn. Where can Kyrie Irving play? Reference: where can kyrie irving play.
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