New York Mayor Eric Adams who lifted COVID jab mandate for NYC workers once asked Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated: “Kyrie, you should get vaccinated”

One of the biggest stories to come out of the Booklyn Nets organization last season was Irving's COVID-19 refusal to take the vaccine, which New York City Mayor Eric Adams had to encourage the athlete to take.

Adams eased the vaccine mandate in the spring, allowing athletes like Irving to be able to do their jobs.

"Today I sign an Emergency Executive Order 62, expanding the performance exemption to private employer mandates. This is about putting New York City-based performers on a level playing field," Mayor Adams said.

Even after Irving, now an eight-time All-Star, was cleared to play, he was still encouraged to be vaccinated.

"Kyrie, you should get vaccinated," Adams said. "Nothing has changed. Get vaccinated"

During the 2019-20 NBA season, no one expected it to be shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following season, protocols were put in place. Those protocols lessened last season, but Canada did not allow unvaccinated visitors to enter the country, and New York City's mandate would not allow Irving to play in games in the city.

The majority of players in the NBA have had the vaccine, except a few. Irving was one of the few players who refused to take the vaccine.

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Because of Mayor Eric Adams, Irving was allowed to play

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During the 2021-22 NBA season, Irving didn't play enough games to be an effective player for the Nets.

Many expected him to miss the entire season due to his vaccination hesitancy. Because vaccine mandates barred Irving from playing in home games in NYC or in Canada, he would have missed more than half the season. Under those circumstances, the Nets initially decided to sideline him, preferring not to have Irving as a part-time player, only available in road games.

Brooklyn reversed that decision in December, but Irving tested positive, delaying his first game until early January. Then, Mayor Eric Adams eased the city's COVID-19 mandate in late March.

Irving only played 29 games last season, but he was still able to put up incredible numbers. The star point guard averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 41.8% from downtown. His stellar numbers could've had more impact if he was able to play more.

Still, it was Mayor Adams who seemingly saved the Nets' season. They finished as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference but were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs after advancing through the play-in tournament.

The Nets are currently without Irving, but luckily for them, Spencer Dinwiddie and Doran Finney-Smith are looking forward to being key contributors for the team.