Kevin Durant Won’t Force Kyrie Irving To Get Vaccinated

Kyrie Irving finally made his return to the Brooklyn Nets lineup recently. The team had previously not allowed Irving to play because he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. New York regulations prevent him from playing in the state. The Nets ultimately decided that he could play in away games as a compromise.

The Nets could’ve used Kyrie last night. Brooklyn was beaten soundly by the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks at home by a score of 121-109. The Nets are near the top of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Every single game counts.

Nets veteran Kevin Durant spoke about Kyrie Irving’s unique situation after the game. Durant said he spoke to Kyrie and informed him how important his presence was to the team. KD isn’t about to force any decisions on his teammate, according to ESPN.

“I told him how important he is and how much I want him to play all the games. But I’m not about to force someone to get the vaccine to play basketball, nah, that’s not my thing. So he can play basketball? Nah, I’m not about to do that.

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We’ve had conversations about wanting him to be a part of the team and conversations about him being here full-time, but that’s on his time. Whatever decision he want to make, he’s going to make. It’s on us to be professionals no matter what, and do our jobs. All of us — from the owner down to the equipment manager — so whenever he ready, he’ll be ready.”

James Harden was also asked if he thought Kyrie understood that being unvaccinated was hurting the squad. Harden said that Kyrie knows. It doesn’t appear that the Nets are in any rush to pressure Kyrie Irving into making a decision he isn’t comfortable with.