Kyrie Irving appears to have a date on when he can suit up for the Nets in home games again.
Or does he?
New York City mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that as long as the city's COVID numbers continue to trend in the right direction he will be removing the Key2NYC vaccination requirements, which includes indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues.
This would, presumably, allow the unvaccinated Irving to play. The Nets will be on the road on March 7 but return home to square off against the Knicks on March 13.
However, it may be a little more complicated for Irving to return.
Per NBA insider Shams Charania, the private sector mandate still restricts Irving from playing home games even though he is allowed to enter Barclays Center as a spectator.
Per the New York Daily News editorial board, NYC still requires all private businesses to ensure that employees who "come to their workplace" have their shots.
As an employee of the Nets, Irving would still have to abide by these rules.
Adams' press secretary seemed to confirm Charania's reporting, too, in case there was any confusion.
So, it would seem that unless Adams also removes the mandate for private businesses it seems as if Irving is still going to have to wait, or get the shot.
Although, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski noted, it could be viewed as another step forward in eventually getting Irving back on the court in Barclays Center.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
