Nash: Kyrie 'welcome back for sure' if NYC vaccine mandate changes

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash would be open to star guard Kyrie Irving rejoining the team if New York City alters its COVID-19 vaccine mandate following Tuesday's mayoral election.

"I might be speaking out of turn, but I think if the mandate changes, he'd be welcome back for sure," Nash said Wednesday, courtesy of SNY.

Democrat Eric Adams won the election with 66.5% of the vote, according to The New York Times. He'll replace current New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Jan. 1.

Adams said during a Wednesday interview with MSNBC he wants to "revisit" the city's vaccine mandate, which currently requires employees at certain indoor establishments in the city to be vaccinated.

In another appearance on CNN's "New Day," Adams implored de Blasio to speak with New York's union leaders. He added he would work toward a resolution with them after taking office if necessary.

Irving is allowed to participate in practices and play road games with the Nets without being vaccinated. But Nets general manager Sean Marks prohibited Irving in October from being with the team until he can be a "full-time participant."

Irving said the following day he would not retire because of Marks' decision.

Protesters swarmed entrances to Barclays Center during the Nets' home opener on Oct. 24, chanting in support of Irving and against the mandate. Nets owner Joe Tsai criticized the demonstrators, accusing those involved of "hijacking the issue."