Nets owner Joseph Tsai backs up 'team decision' on Kyrie Irving

Nets owner Joseph Tsai watches his team play against the... — Nets owner Joseph Tsai watches his team play against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 Credit: Jim McIsaac

By Greg LoganGregory.Logan@newsday.com GregLogan1October 29, 2021

Nets owner Joseph Tsai expressed hope on Friday that Kyrie Irving will join the Nets at some point this season. But Tsai, who made his remarks in an ESPN interview, reinforced the organization’s decision to not allow Irving to practice or play with the Nets unless he receives at least one dose of vaccine to comply with New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The Nets informed Irving on Oct. 12 of their decision to not allow him to be a part-time player in road games.

"Last time [I] talked to him was when we made the decision that he was not going to be playing until something changes," Tsai told ESPN. "We haven’t communicated since then.

"Obviously, Kyrie has his own belief, so I respect that. But we have to make a team decision. This is not a decision about him. This is a decision about where we go as a team. And it is just not tenable for us to have a team with a player that comes in and out, no home games, only away games. What do you do in practice then?"

Tsai emphasized that he, general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash are in complete agreement. Prior to the Nets’ game against the Pacers on Friday night at Barclays Center, Nash was asked if he or anyone on the coaching staff has been in contact with Irving and has any hope he might return.

"I’ve messaged with him," Nash said. "We didn’t talk basketball, just connected with him, but I have no update on that front."

Pressed as to whether or not Irving is doing any basketball activity to stay in shape, Nash said: "We just talked person to person. We didn’t talk basketball. I just checked in on him."

Irving can sign a four-year extension worth $187 million. "I hope Kyrie can be part of the team, part of Brooklyn long-term," said Tsai, who declined to discuss extension talks. "I hope he gets vaccinated as soon as possible."