Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has not seen any game action this season due to the fact that he is unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Many folks have been critical of Irving’s stance on the vaccine, but John Stockton apparently isn’t one of those people. The Hall of Famer recently made it clear that he supports Irving’s position.
Stockton commented on the matter during an unreleased episode of the DNP-CD Sports podcast.
“You have a lot of supporters Kyrie,” Stockton said. “Not all them of can get to you, and you can’t get to all of them, but there’s every bit a majority out there that’s sitting there pulling for you. They’re just not quite as bold as he is. I’m proud of him as an individual to take that kind of individual risk and be that bold for what you feel is right.”
Stockton added that there’s “not a chance” that he would “risk any of that to play” in reference to taking the vaccine.
“There’s not a chance I would risk any of that to play,” Stockton said. “My hope would be other guys would join in. And all of us lock arms. And none of us play.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Irving will see the floor at any point this season.
Although the Nets have the best record in the Eastern Conference right now, they’d surely love to have Irving back. Brooklyn is a title contender without Irving, but with him, the team is even more intimidating.
In the 2020-21 season, the seven-time All-Star averaged 26.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest. He already has one NBA title under his belt, but it’s unclear if he’s going to give himself a chance to challenge for another one this season.
