Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving excited to finally play in home games this season

MIAMI — When news first broke on Wednesday that the New York City mandate that prevented unvaccinated athletes from playing in home games has been lifted, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving said he had to keep pinching himself to make sure it was real.

On Thursday, New York City mayor Eric Adams announced the mandate was lifted, clearing the way for Irving to play in home games at Barclays Center, something he hasn't been able to do all season.

«Please take my comment seriously when I say I've been pinching myself since Wednesday and Thursday because there was a time where I got my hopes really, really high and all the air just got let out,» Irving said at Nets' shootaround ahead of Saturday night's game in Miami.

«I didn't want to get too excited. Still tonight, I'm trying to stay focused on this game. But I know tomorrow will eventually come and I'm looking forward to playing back in Brooklyn.»

And with the mandate issue behind him, Irving started to look ahead at what could be next for him and his teammates in the Brooklyn organization.

«To be honest, I signed up for this for the long run,» Irving said. «I love this year. I'm grateful. It has not been the prototypical year. But when I look at my teammates and I look at what we have as an organization. I'm looking for the long run and what we can do, legacy talk.»

Irving has a player option for next season at over $36.5 million. If he declined the player option, Irving could sign up to a five-year, $246 million extension since he has reached 10 years of service.

«For me, it has always been about being comfortable and loving where I'm at. I love it here,» Irving said. «Once that summer time hits, I know we'll have some conversations but there's no way I could leave my man