Miami Heat: The Kyrie Irving vaccine drama could have ripple effects

By Jack Simone | Oct 12, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 23, 2021 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Miami Heat (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Kyrie Irving drama and how it affects the Miami Heat: The drama

Kyrie Irving has been adamant about not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. He and even some of his family members have spoken out against it.

Well, this wouldn’t be as big of an issue if he didn’t play in Brooklyn. However, because he does, the team could be facing a major issue this season.

Two U.S. cities have told their teams that NBA players are only allowed to play in the city if they have been vaccinated – New York and San Francisco. This directly affects Irving, as he plays for a team in one of those cities.

If Irving were to remain unvaccinated, that means he would miss every single home game the team plays. Add on the games vs. the Knicks and the one at Golden State, and Irving would be forced to miss half the season.

Irving did manage to practice with the team at their private facility, though. However, now it’s looking like he won’t be able to play with the team at all until he receives the vaccine.

The Brooklyn Nets announced that Irving will not be allowed to join the team until he can be a full participant. This means that unless Irving gets the vaccine, he won’t be able to play for the Nets this season.

Now that the story has been fully explained, why should Miami Heat fans care? How does this affect them for this season?

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