The Brooklyn Nets can’t catch a break. Only one day after announcing the return of Kyrie Irving, Irving entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols. His teammate (and fellow star) Kevin Durant entered protocols as well.
Durant and Irving are the eighth and ninth Nets to enter protocols. Paul Milsap entered the protocols on Monday and was later joined by LaMarcus Aldridge, James Johnson, DeAndre’ Bembry, Jevon Carter, James Harden and Bruce Brown.
It is not known whether any of the Nets tested positive, as players and staff do not need a positive test to enter protocols. Players may have an inconclusive test or were in close contact with someone who did test positive. Regardless, a player must have two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart. Or, they must isolate for 10 days. In Irving’s case, he’ll need five consecutive days of negative tests to join team practices.
This isn’t Durant’s first time in protocols. Durant entered protocol last season after he had close contact with someone who tested positive. Before that, he tested positive towards the start of the pandemic but was out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. So, it is unfortunate to see him in this predicament.
At this moment, Durant and Irving are two of four players to enter the league’s health and safety protocols today. Cleveland Cavaliers Rookie Evan Mobley and Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Reggie Bullock entered protocols as well.
The NBA (and sports in general) have a COVID-19 issue going on, and hopefully, it gets better before it gets worse.