At the beginning of the season, Irving was unable to play at home because he refused to be vaccinated. The Nets chose Irving to hide Irving on the grounds that they would not accept part-time players and did not allow him to train and play with the team. But as the season progressed, the Nets' lineup began to see more injuries, and they eventually accepted the reality of Irving's appearance on the team as a "part-time player."
Now, Irving can play on the Nets' road games. Over the past week, Irving has played twice for the Nets, once away to the Pacers and once away to the Blazers. In both games, Irving scored 22 points and remained in very good form.
Given Irving's athletic form and the Nets' recent poor record, New York Daily News reporter Stefan Bundy said Irving could play in the Nets home game if the Nets were willing to pay him a small fine. Stefan Bondi explained that new York's previous executive order could give the Nets some room to maneuver at home.
New York's epidemic prevention decree stipulates that those who participate in sports, recreation, fitness and other activities indoors without vaccination are first offenders: warnings.
Second violation: A fine of $1,000.
Third violation: A fine of $2,000.
Fourth violation: A fine of $5,000.
Fifth and later: $5,000 fine
That's good news for the Nets. A simple calculation shows that the Nets have 19 home games left this season, and even if Irving remains full attendance, the Nets will only have to pay a fine of $83,000. That's nothing at all for a team with a wealthy boss like Tsai Chongxin. Things have become even more interesting for the Nets, who have struggled in the last few games. In future games, if the Nets can always have Irving, this will obviously be of great benefit to their prospects for the championship.