Everyone has thought for a long while that the Nets could make due without Kyrie Irving, as long as they have Kevin Durant and James Harden.
But now, they'll be without KD for at least a month.
And, as you've heard, they'll only be with Harden in their home games, due to Irving's vaccination status.
Despite Durant missing ample time though, Irving is holding strong to his vaccination status.
"Kev’s gonna heal. Kev’s gonna be okay, and we’re gonna have to deal with that as teammates. But in terms of where I am with my life outside of this, I’ve stayed rooted in my decision, and that’s just what it is," Irving told reporters after Monday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "It’s not gonna be swayed just because of one thing in this NBA life. ... It’s just not happening for me...
"Though we’re dealing with this right now with Kev, I just know that I’m protected by the organization, I’m protected by my teammates, I’m protected by all the doctors that I’ve talked to, and I’m just staying root."
Earlier on Monday, Steve Nash said the Nets "can't cry" about Durant's injury, just like how they haven't cried about Irving being a part-time player - it's better than him being out as a whole.
But Irving is still waiting for New York City mandates to change so he can join the team full time.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, I love being with my teammates, I love playing with the Nets. … The circumstances that are at hand, I’m praying that they get changed and we’re able to do things differently.”
