The Miami Heat are ready to contend for a title this year. After a strong start to their 2021-22 campaign, the Heat look like they will contend for one of the top spots in the East. Another team that is expected to be at the top is the Brooklyn Nets. But will they?
Heading into the season, the Brooklyn Nets were heavily favored to win the NBA title because of their superstar trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. However, Kyrie Irving has yet to play a game this season for the Nets. This will continue until, or if, he is “eligible to be a full participant,” according to GM Sean Marks.
The team made the decision in response to Irving’s failure to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Until he no longer puts the safety of his teammates and their families at risk, he will not be able to play for the Nets.
While Kyrie Irving holds the right to make his own decision regarding the vaccine, it shows that he is not putting basketball first. If he does not get vaccinated soon, it is possible he will be traded. For now, it appears that the Nets will be playing without him.
Even without Kyrie Irving, the Nets still have the talent of Durant and Harden, so they could still win it all. However, being without Irving definitely hurts them, even if they trade for another star. The Nets did not want to destroy the chemistry of the team by adding a part-time Irving into the mix, but some issues are already taking place.