BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving did not attend the team’s media day at Barclays Center on Monday because of New York City’s COVID-19 protocols.
He is expected to travel with the team to San Diego later Monday and participate in the team’s training camp this week, sources told ESPN.
Last month, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio issued an executive order that required New York City-area pro athletes to show proof of at least one vaccine shot to practice or play in the city.
“That’s on Kyrie and that’s his personal decision. What he does is not on us to speculate what may happen,” Nets star Kevin Durant said. “We trust in Kyrie and I expect us to have our whole team at some point.”
James Harden said he expected Irving to address reporters later Monday and explain the situation.
“Obviously Ky is a huge part of what we’re trying to do,” Harden said.
Last week, Nets general manager Sean Marks indicated that not all of the team’s players have met that requirement, but he expected the team to be in compliance by the opening of the season next month.
The Nets’ first preseason game in Brooklyn is Oct. 8. They open their preseason schedule on the road Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
