Kyrie Irving Vaccine Refusal boosts NY Knicks in Eastern Conference Race

Kemba Walker can steal the NY spotlight away from Kyrie Irving

With the new addition of Kemba Walker, many NBA fans were looking forward to seeing Irving and Kemba go at it and see who is the better New York PG.

Now, with the loss of Kyrie, Kemba has the opportunity to thrive regardless of who the Nets decide to have guard him.

With James Harden’s injury history last year it is doubtful Brooklyn decides to have him bring the ball up and the skill level of Patty Mills does not provide much of a threat to Walker’s ability to thrive and be a floor general.

You could even consider Kemba Walker the best point guard in the Atlantic division when Kyrie is absent with Ben Simmons on his way out of Philadelphia.

It’s evident and clear as day that the Brooklyn Nets will be significantly worse without Kyrie Irving’s availability and the Knicks are in prime position to take full advantage.

In addition, we need to analyze the current state of both rosters.

As a result of NYC’s vaccine mandate, the Knicks have taken full initiative and gotten the entirety of their roster fully vaccinated.

Regardless of where you stand on that rule, New York accomplishing this is vital as it provides them with reduced protocols and has the entirety of their team available to them regardless of where they play throughout the duration of the year.

This allows the Knicks to establish a set ongoing rotation that they can continue to build on.

On the Brooklyn side of things, Kyrie not being available forces the Nets to have to switch things up from game to game.

There will be a new starter from time to time and someone who normally wouldn’t be in the rotation is going to have to step up and play extra minutes.

This will prevent the Nets from having a steady rhythm offensively and defensively as well as not allow chemistry to grow amongst the team.