As the days go by, it seems like the time for the Brooklyn Nets to pull themselves up in the standings is running out. After Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant lost the game against the Boston Celtics, they find themselves 9th in the East and below the 0.500 mark. Moreover, the delay in Simmons’ return has also added pressure on the Nets.

The best way that any team can win is to have all their players available and healthy. While Simmons continues to sit out due to his back, Kyrie’s home game absence means that the load is majorly now on KD.

Also Read: Ben Simmons, Who Is Criticized For His Shooting Form, Gets The Brunt From NBA Fans For His Latest Practice Video

This absence is due to the NYC mandate that prevents Kyrie from suiting up for the Nets. In light of this, Irving sent a message to Mayor Eric Adams.

Kyrie Irving’s Message to Mayor Eric Adams

As mentioned above, the NYC mandate holds back Kyrie from playing home games. In fact, Mayor Eric Adams spoke about wanting Kyrie back on the court. But he felt it would be unfair for the public by making an exception for Kyrie.

To make matters worse, despite the announcement of the mandate being lifted on March 7th, 2022, the private sector mandate will remain in place and prevent Kyrie from playing in home games.

After the Nets’ loss to the Celtics, Irving sent a message to the mayor amid the ongoing scenario.

“Shoutout to Eric Adams, man. It’s not an easy job to be the mayor of New York City,” said Irving.

“I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes right now trying to delegate whether or not one basketball player can come and play at home,” he explained.

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s most bizarre outfits 

Thereafter, Irving added he would like to ‘break bread’ with the mayor and ‘move past’ the turbulence that has shaken NYC and the world. He then acknowledged the mayor’s decision with respect to the difficulty that the people of New York and the world face.

“But it’s just the reality that it’s been difficult on a lot of us in New York City and across the world. So, I know he’s feeling it and I’m just grateful that he’s on my side, as well as the commissioner.” 

In Conclusion

The Nets seem to have found themselves in unexpected trouble this season. After their latest loss, they now sit 9th in the East with a 32-33 record. With only 17 games left this season, they will hope to bounce back and make the playoffs at a higher seed.

But this is a difficult task due to Kyrie’s unavailability for home games and the delay in Simmons’ return.

Clearly, it’s do-or-die time in Brooklyn. They have to win now if they are to finish among the top teams of the East. This will put them in a good position for the playoffs. Regardless of the mandate, Kyrie will aim to help his team win whenever he is available. However, only time has the answer to the futures of Kyrie and the Nets.