Even as Brooklyn Nets dominate predictions for league success, vexing situation of un-vaxxed star means "Irving has lost the fan base"

It should be great news for the Brooklyn Nets. To quote John Schuhmann of NBA.com (h/t NetsDaily):

When it comes to predicting the 2021-22 season, there’s just no denying the talent on the Brooklyn Nets. In the 20th annual NBA.com GM Survey, both Kevin Durant and James Harden were named the best players at their position, and 72% of responding decision makers picked the Nets to win their first NBA championship.

But marring such predictions is the vexing case of star guard Kyrie Irving, who, having not provided proof of vaccination status, is unable to practice or play games in New York City, given local law. He is the only player on the three teams (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors) facing local mandates who has not complied.

Decisions, decisions

Now, as ESPN reports (again, h/t NetsDaily), the Nets have to decide whether to let Irving play and practice only on the road--missing half the games--or working with a Kyrie-less team (and thus possibly trading him, gaining another piece to add to their remaining two superstars). 

Via ESPN:

The Nets have been outwardly supportive of Irving’s process to consider vaccination and believe they’ve listened, supported, and educated him, but the franchise’s collective patience will be increasingly tested the longer that Irving stops short of committing to join the team on a full-time basis.

Losing the fan base?

Notably, in the NetsDaily comments, there's this observation, from the NetsDaily editor "Net Income" (aka Bob Windrem):

There is something else here that this thread and comments by fans on social media has revealed. Kyrie Irving has lost the fan base.

That's not to say that Irving couldn't recover the fan base should he return and help lead the Nets to success. But it is a telling moment for now.