Despite Kyrie Irving's refusal to be vaccinated, the Nets eventually accepted the reality of his return as a part-time player, given the actual situation of the team. In future away games, Irving will play for the Nets.
Unexpectedly, shortly after the Nets announced Irving's return, he was detected with the virus and entered the league's health and safety agreement. There are many different views in the alliance about Irving's return and triggering a health and safety agreement.
A former Nets executive told Rolling Stone magazine that Irving's return is an indicator of how much power and influence star players have over the team. Even in part-time games, the Nets had to compromise.
"It's ridiculous," a former Nets executive familiar with the Nets told Rolling Stone magazine. 'When you get these privileged players, they have a lot of influence and say."
Former Nets executives also said Irving's positive COVID-19 test was not surprising, but it was a relief because it sent a warning to anti-vaccine groups that supported Irving's stance.
"Irving tested positive for COVID-19, which is predestined," said a former Nets executive. "But I'm also glad it stopped cheering among those who opposed the vaccine."
In fact, after the Nets agreed to Irving's return, many people criticized the Nets' management. ESPN celebrity Smith, who is known as Yang Yi in the United States, said on the show that the Nets' decision was very bad and humiliating. He believes the NBA should implement a mandatory vaccination order that makes all players must be vaccinated
Irving is not expected to return to the team until health and safety protocols are cleared. After that, he will train with the team to regain his competitive form and then re-enter the game. Earlier, Shams Charania speculated that Irving could officially play for the Nets in early January.