Editing Kyrie Irving (section)

=== Brooklyn Nets and a New Era ===
Irving’s tenure with the Nets began in 2019 alongside fellow superstar Kevin Durant and newly acquired James Harden. The expectation was that the trio would form a dynamic, championship-contending team. However, Irving’s time in Brooklyn was turbulent, as his off-court actions and decisions began to make headlines.

Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2021-2022 season due to local vaccine mandates in New York City. This led to numerous public debates about personal choice versus public health responsibility, further polarizing his image in the media. Despite his absence, when Irving played, he remained one of the most talented and electrifying players on the court, with his ball-handling, scoring, and playmaking abilities putting him in the conversation for the best point guards of all time.