Brooklyn Nets Coach Steve Nash says he would welcome Kyrie Irving back if New York City lifts COVID-19 vaccine mandates

Yahoo Sports ^ | 11/05/2021 | Chris Cwik

[SeekAndFind]

There's a chance an unvaccinated Kyrie Irving could still play for the Brooklyn Nets this season, but it would require New York to lift its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. If that happens, Nets coach Steve Nash would welcome Irving back to the club.

Nash made those comments following Eric Adams being elected as the new mayor of New York.

During his campaign, Adams expressed a desire to "revisit" vaccine mandates, according to MSNBC. Adams may have been referring to vaccination policies for police and firefighters, however, and not NBA players.

Adams getting elected does open the possibility of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate being altered in the city, and it's possible those changes could impact Irving's status. If a vaccine mandate is lifted for large public gatherings and Irving is suddenly eligible to play, Nash would gladly take him back.

Nash admitted he might be "speaking out of turn" when giving his answer. Nets owner Joe Tsai said he would like Irving to be vaccinated, but added the important caveat, "If the New York mandate is still in place." That leaves open the possibility for Tsai to change his mind if the mandate is lifted.

Will New York lift its COVID-19 mandates?

A lot would have to go right for this to work out in Irving's favor. While Adams won the mayoral race Tuesday, he won't take office until January. Assuming current Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to keep COVID-19 protocols in place during the rest of his term, January would be the absolute earliest Adams could lift those mandates.

If Adams does lift those mandates, there's no guarantee they will apply to Irving. Adams could opt to only focus on police and firefighters while keeping the public mandate in place.

[irishjuggler]

In other news, I’d welcome $10 million and a date with Paulina Gretzky. Seriously, what coach wouldn’t want Kyrie Irving on the court for him? Nash ain’t stupid.

[Cboldt]

A lot would have to go right for this to work out in Irving's favor.

Being refused permission to work in NY is what I consider "working in his favor" already. Find a welcoming place. There are plenty of them.

[The Fop]

Adams is a tool of NWO

[tflabo]

During his campaign, Adams expressed a desire to "revisit" vaccine mandates, according to MSNBC.

We will find out if the new mayor stands down on the mandates or bows to his DemRat Masters.