Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving attacked Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams in his return to Brooklyn.
Irving returned to Brooklyn with his Mavs for the first time since he was unceremoniously shipped out of town following his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccination. A fan asked Irving, who scored a game-high 36 points, why he didn’t play like this in Brooklyn.
“Thank Mayor Adams for that,” the star guard replied.
I asked @KyrieIrving why he didn’t play like this when he was in the @BrooklynNets ? He told me to thank @NYCMayor for that #netsworld pic.twitter.com/RtG33m7fUR
— Courtside Nets (@Courtsidenets) February 7, 2024
During his time in New York, Irving was subject to Adams’ indoor vaccination mandate, making him ineligible to play in any of Brooklyn’s home games and relegating him to road games exclusively. (RELATED: ‘Biggest Violations Of Human Rights’: Kyrie Irving Goes Off On Eric Adams Over Vaccine Mandate)
Even when Adams lifted the city-wide mandate, he maintained a provision restricting private sector employees and athletes/entertainers from participating in activities. So Irving was then allowed to attend games as a spectator, but couldn’t play, which makes a ton of sense.
As we all know, Covid was the most respectful disease ever invented. As long as you proved you were humble and obedient the virus would simply refuse to enter your body. Sitting in the stands enjoying a game while unvaccinated? No problem. Suiting up and playing? Now you’re endangering lives you inconsiderate jerk.
In all seriousness, the Irving/Adams saga essentially destroyed one of the most talented roster of all time’s chances at an NBA title.
Brooklyn signed Irving and star forward Kevin Durant in 2019 and then traded for superstar guard James Harden to form perhaps the most hyped trio since LeBron took his talents to South Beach.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 25: James Harden #13, Kevin Durant #7, and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets high-five after coming off the court during the second half against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 25, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 98-85. Sarah Stier/Getty Images
But the superstar squad never quite managed to gel, and Irving’s inability to get on the court at home was a major factor.
GM Sean Marks decided to shut it down, shipping out all three players and snuffing out the embers of what could have been a dynasty.