Considering how much has transpired since the Nets hosted Media Day, it’s hard to believe only one and a half weeks have passed. At the time, All-Star Kyrie Irving could not participate in the flesh because of state coronavirus restrictions that restricted his access given his unvaccinated status. And even as he hemmed and hawed in a media session held via Zoom, not a few quarters within the franchise believed he would eventually allow himself to be jabbed notwithstanding his personal stand. After all, being unavailable for practice and actual home games, as well as trips to Madison Square Garden, effectively diluted his value as a member of the Big Three.
Fast forward to today, and the most significant development in the intervening period was what did not transpire. Irving continues to refuse the vaccine, and thus continues to be subject to health protocols. The confidence that the Nets showed then has been replaced by wariness, what with the prospect of the 2011 first overall pick being little more than a part-time player slowly becoming reality. Even top dog Kevin Durant, seen by the front office as a positive influence, has evidently been unable to convince his friend to take one for the team.
To be sure, Irving has always danced to the beat of a different tune. He has been partial to conspiracy theories and other scientifically debunked positions. And consistent with his beliefs (the Earth being flat among them), he thinks of the vaccine as anything, but helpful. That said, he’s not alone; the public disclosure that 90% of players have been vaccinated translates to around 70 warm bodies without protection from the virus, significant in and of itself and indicative of the strength with which hardliners hold their positions in the face of pressure for them to get jabbed.
The National Basketball Association is most certainly angling for total coverage. It has already mandated vaccination for front office and franchise personnel, and is constantly on the ear of the Players Association in an effort to underscore the importance of the move. And while the union has agreed to the deduction of pay for those compelled to sit out because of local health standards, requiring the injection is another matter altogether. Which is why the Nets face an uncertain future. They’re supposed to be the overwhelming favorites to take the crown. Imagine if they fail not because of stiff opposition, but due to a frailty from within.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
