On December 19, Beijing time, although the Nets have agreed to let Irving return to the team, their troubles are far from over. Today, Irving has triggered health and safety protocols and, according to reports, test positive. Well, according to the regulations, he cannot be vaccinated for two months.
Yesterday, the Nets officially announced that Irving entered the process of returning to the team, began to be tested for the new crown, and will participate in the team's away games as a part-time player. However, a day later, Irving triggered a health and safety protocol and, according to reports, tested positive for COVID-19.
Owen still refuses to be vaccinated, and the consequence of being reported to be infected with COVID-19 this time is that he cannot be vaccinated for two months according to the regulations. Because according to the CDC, unvaccinated people with COVID-19 must not be vaccinated after 60 days.
Speaking about Irving's refusal to be vaccinated, general manager Sean Max said that Irving's return to the team without vaccination is a risk for the team and for himself.
It is worth mentioning that Max also said that he and the team have not yet talked to Irving about his vaccination situation and whether Irving is reconsidering vaccinations, and these conversations will be slowly guided after Irving rejoins the team. 'When he comes back to the team, I'm sure he'll have some conversations with me, Steve [Nash] and the other players, but I want him to get back into our circle and then lead those conversations.' Max said.
However, the two-month absence of vaccination means that Irving is at risk of being quarantined at any time, after all, the epidemic is already quite severe. Without vaccinations, Irving will quarantine for longer than fully vaccinated players once the health and safety agreement is triggered, so how many games he can play for the Nets this season is really a big question. I have to say that the Nets' headache is still to come.