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

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)
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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Miami Heat
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 effect

The Miami Heat are going to be fighting for a top seed in the East this year. However, so are teams like the Nets, Bucks, and other Eastern Conference powerhouses.

With the Ben Simmons issue already projecting to affect the standings, this issue will as well. If it weren’t obvious, the Nets probably won’t be as good without Kyrie Irving playing.

If Irving ends up deciding not to get the vaccine, and subsequently not playing this year, that would help the Heat in their pursuit of a higher seed in the East.

Obviously, it would be ideal for everyone to be at full strength so the competition is at its highest level, but that is simply out of Miami’s hands at this point.

With Irving out, there would be a lot more parity in the East. Since they would be without the third member of their Big 3, the Nets could end up falling a bit in the standings.

They would still be a top seed, but the difference between the first, second, and third seeds could end up being huge. Miami wants to be as high up in the standings as possible in order to get the best playoff matchups.

Hopefully, the Nets get this drama resolves so the NBA is at its best this year. However, if they don’t, it could end up helping the Miami Heat out a little bit.