Amidst the league-wide COVID outbreak, the exiled superstar returns to the team.
The 29-year-old had his long-awaited meeting with the press yesterday.
He touched on the Nets’ decision to deactivate him from any team activity, as New York mandates reprimanded all who are unvaccinated to participate in any indoor activities, allowing him only to be a part of the team for road games.
“I knew the consequences,” Irving said. “I wasn’t prepared for them by any stretch of the imagination.”
The initial decision was met with understanding by the league and press alike, with many criticizing Irving’s decision to not comply with the mandate.
However, the onslaught of the Omicron variant has taken out a host of players and staff members. In particular, with the Nets brass.
Kevin Durant, James Harden, and co. have been dealt a heavy blow. The Nets were one of many teams that played in games with only 8 players eligible to play, not to mention one of many who had their games postponed due to the outbreaks.
To the chagrin of many sports media pundits, such as ESPN’s Stephen A Smith and Fox’s Skip Bayless, the team opted to reactivate Irving; who himself had to go under health and safety protocol upon return.
News of the All-Star guard’s return is a polarizing one. Despite it, it remains to be seen at what cost.
The Nets currently stand atop the Eastern Conference standings at 23-9, with MVP candidate Kevin Durant pegged to return soon to the lineup. Irving spoke very critically on his absence impacting chemistry as well as his rhythm while returning in-season. As, by his own admission, he stated his fear of playing lesser than himself while on the court, affecting the team in turn.
With the Nets on a current homestand, and the mandate still intact for New York, he is set to return as early as January 5th versus the Indiana Pacers.
