Nets' Steve Nash says Kyrie Irving would be 'welcomed back' if/when NYC vaccine mandate changes

Kyrie Irving is yet to appear in a game this season with the Nets due to a New York City Covid-19 vaccine mandate, but a new mayor could mean a change in that mandate, which would open the door to an Irving return.

New York City mayor-elect Eric Adams said on Wednesday that his administration “needs to revisit how we are going to address the vaccine mandate.” 

Per the current mandate, Irving is not permitted to play in home games with the Nets until he is vaccinated. Though he is technically allowed to practice with the team and play in road games, the Nets decided that Irving would not play or be around the team at all until he can be a full-time player.

Nets head coach Steve Nash was asked on Wednesday about whether or not Irving would be welcomed back if and when the mandate is changed.

“I might be speaking out of term, but I think if the mandate changes he’d be welcomed back, for sure," Nash said.

Adams did not mention Irving by name on Wednesday, as he was speaking to the mandates applied to municipal workers, but Adams did say in mid-October that he was “extremely optimistic” Irving would be able to suit up with the Nets soon.

“I think this is going to work itself out,” Adams told The New York Post on Oct. 16.

“I believe we’re going to find a way to have safety and to continue to keep our standards strong.”