Nets' Kyrie Irving 'excited' relaxed vaccine rules could allow him to play home games

As of Wednesday evening, Brooklyn Nets All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is not able to play in home games due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 coupled with New York City's vaccine mandate for entering public places such as Barclays Center. However, New York City Mayor Eric Adams suggested Wednesday that the city could soon relax coronavirus-related restrictions, which would allow Irving to participate in all of Brooklyn's games leading up to and through the postseason tournament. 

Nets coach Steve Nash spoke with reporters later in the day and made it clear Irving is looking forward to playing in front of home fans. 

"I will say that he's been extremely locked in," Nash said of the 29-year-old after practice, per Nick Friedell of ESPN. "Kyrie's been great on the practice floor. He's been great in film sessions. He's been creating dialogue over aspects of our play. So I sense a real focus and urgency from him. And so if that's any indication, I would say he is getting excited at the prospect of being allowed to play in all our games and hopefully in the short term."

The 31-28 Nets are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference standings and have only 23 total regular-season contests remaining on their schedule. Nash said Irving is "working towards being able to play in every game" even though it's still unclear when his status for home matchups may change. 

"So if the mandate is lifted, the expectation would be that he can play in all our games," Nash added about the situation. "I think that's what he's been waiting for and what he's excited about, and if the opportunity arises, the plan and the goal is to play every night."

Brooklyn hosts the Boston Celtics on Thursday evening.