Nets Notes: Irving, Vaccine, Nash, Lillard, Harden

Kyrie Irving has yet to play a game for the Nets this season because of his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

However, Irving doesn’t want to be seen as an anti-vaxxer, nor be a voice of the voiceless, according to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Bally Sports. He’s just not trusting of the vaccines currently available.

His mistrust comes from the possibility of long-term side effects, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are “extremely unlikely.” His injury history also plays a factor in his decision to remain unvaccinated.

Robinson suggests that Irving, who has adopted a 100 percent plant-based diet, could be waiting for a plant-based version of the vaccine to become available.

That version of the vaccine underwent clinical trials with over 30,000 people taking part, according to a report in August. If the vaccine makes it through the trials, the company will then submit an application for regulatory approval in Japan by March 2022. No word as of yet on U.S. regulatory approval, which would also be necessary.

While Irving has been out, he’s been working out pretty regularly, focusing on cardio, weight training and meditation, and spending time with his immediate family, with one source telling Robinson “this is the happiest that I’ve seen Kyrie in years.”

The entire article from “Scoop B” is well worth the read.

More Nets Notes

• Nets fans are excited about the possibility of Irving eventually returning to the team. However, head coach Steve Nash made it a point to temper expectations, at least for now. “We just focus on our group and getting better every single day and if we get the gift of his return, we’ll be ecstatic but we can’t count on it,” Nash said. “We can’t wait for him. We have to get to work, and get better.”

• The Trail Blazers are floundering, which could eventually lead to Damian Lillard wanting out of Portland. Could he be swapped for Irving? The Glue Guys look into that possibility.

• The Nets are 9-2 when James Harden scores 20+ points, 5-0 when he goes 25+ but just 7-5 when he scores under 20. However, Harden appears to have lost a bit of a step this season, as he’s still working his way back from a hamstring injury. Is it time for him to finally unlock the mid-range game? Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer explores.