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Kyrie Irving’s long-awaited season debut has been pushed back.
On Friday, the Nets announced that the unvaccinated Irving will be brought back this season as a part-time player and would not play in games in cities/states requiring vaccination proof.
ESPN Sources: With the unfolding circumstances of Brooklyn’s season – including injuries, Covid losses and an inordinate minutes load on their superstar players – the Nets are bringing back All-Star guard Kyrie Irving as a part-time player for games outside of New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 17, 2021
Unfortunately for Irving, his return has been delayed after he was placed in the league’s health and safety protocols.
Kyrie Irving has entered the league’s Covid protocols, team says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 18, 2021
According to various reports, Irving tested positive for Covid.
Both @MattBrooksNBA and I told Kyrie had a positive test
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) December 18, 2021
Got some clarity from the Nets: Kyrie Irving would not have entered the health and safety protocols if he was merely testing to return to the team. He has returned a positive or inconclusive test, which requires 5 days of consecutive negative tests for unvaccinated players.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) December 18, 2021
Kyrie Irving will be eligible to resume basketball activities on Dec. 23 if he posts five consecutive negative COVID-19 tests.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) December 18, 2021