Kyrie Irving leaving the Celtics was viewed as a catastrophic setback. But the C's may now be enjoying the last laugh.
As an unvaccinated person, Irving would be unable to play home games.
"Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose," said general manager Sean Marks. "Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability. It is imperative that we continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice."
Irving is entering the third of a four-year, $136 million contract with the Nets. While his arrival attracted lots of fanfare, he's been a disappointment so far. Irving, who has a history of knee issues, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery during the 2019-20 campaign. The Raptors swept the Nets in the first round of the playoffs, while the Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brooklyn was the better team last season, trotting out its lineup of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Irving. The Nets embarrassed the Celtics in the first round, and Irving even denigrated Lucky.
But then he sprained his ankle during the semifinals against Milwaukee, and wasn't 100% for the rest of the series. There was also his unexplained early season sabbatical, in which he was caught dancing at a crowded club — in direct violation of the NBA's Covid protocols.
Last month, Durant said he wasn't worried about Irving's availability, but now he must be wondering. It's apparent the Nets are playing hardball with him. The cajoling must not be going well.
With a new coach and retooled roster, the Celtics are beginning the season with optimism. The Nets, meanwhile, are fretting about their missing All-Star.
