NEW YORK -- Kyrie Irving was announced to be returning to the Nets in a part-time role on Friday, but within hours those plans were brought to a halt.
The Nets announced Saturday afternoon that Irving has become the ninth player on the roster currently in the league’s health and safety protocols, joining fellow stars Kevin Durant and James Harden on a long list that also includes Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre’ Bembry, James Johnson and Bruce Brown.
Irving, who remains unvaccinated, was being brought back to play in road games in cities that don’t have a vaccine mandate. He needed to register five negative COVID tests to be cleared to join the team, but instead, his season debut will have to wait even longer.
Irving hasn't played in any games this season, but the Nets current hold the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The star guard was being held out of road games by the team, but it changed course as the team's injury and COVID situation progressed, forcing healthy players to log heavy minutes.
According to Sporting News, 55 players are currently in the league's COVID protocols as of Saturday afternoon.