Calling it a “tough” but “solid” decision, Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash addressed the team on Wednesday and began the process of continuing without Kyrie irving.
One day after the Nets decided not to allow their starting point guard to practice or play with them until he meets New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Nash and the star guard James harden They said they would gladly welcome Irving, but are ready to be without him.
“Everyone has something to say,” Nash told reporters after the Nets’ practice on decision-making. “It takes time to make decisions like that. It is a difficult decision. But I think it was a sensible decision and one that makes a lot of sense for everyone.
“We’re just going to move on, and if things change, it would be amazing to have him back in the fold. It was a delicate situation to have a player in and out like that. There is more clarity and we can focus on the future and get it going.”
General manager Sean Marks announced Tuesday that he and Nets owner Joe Tsai have decided to end the uncertainty surrounding Irving and not let him join the team until he receives at least one vaccination in accordance with the mandate of the New York City to play in New York. Irving was allowed to practice with the Nets at the team’s private facilities in Brooklyn, but he can’t play a game in New York City unless he received at least one shot.
Harden said that he and Kevin Durant They spoke with the parties involved in the decision and that he wants to win a championship and feels that the organization is aligned with the same idea. Harden added that he has not spoken to Irving since Tuesday.
“Sean [Marks], Steve [Nash], me, KD, Kyrie, we all had conversations, “Harden told reporters.” Kyrie trusts his beliefs and stands firm and strong on that. And we respect it. We all love Ky. But as far as we are concerned, we have a job to do.
“Individually, myself, I still want to prepare for a championship,” Harden continued. “And I feel like the whole organization is on the same path and we are all in this as a unit.”
Nash said the management move allows the team to finally focus on what’s ahead without constant uncertainty that could put “additional stress” on the Nets and their title aspirations.
“So the guys can not have the uncertainty, I think it’s important,” Nash said. “It’s not something that’s hanging over us. A decision was made, and I think it can be beneficial for us to really start to build and have that understanding that this is what is happening rather than living in an uncertain environment. We don’t. We were sure that from one day to the next it was going to change or what was going to happen. That can be difficult and can create additional stress for everyone. “
Harden said players now know their roles in the future and that includes a little more responsibility on the shoulders of the Nets’ two big stars.
“I have nothing to say about it,” Harden said of Irving’s decision. “I can only express my opinion and we have to keep moving forward. Obviously, we would love to have Kyrie here.”
Harden added: “We still have two pretty good leaders on the team. You know what I mean? And obviously Ky is our leader too. We still have me and Kevin. [Durant], that’s pretty good to go out and be cool every night. “
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